Lebanon and Israel hold and then conclude U.S.-brokered negotiations in Rome aimed at implementing a framework agreement linked to the Israel–Hezbollah conflict. The talks take place at the U.S. embassy in the Italian capital over two days, following earlier rounds, and represent the latest effort to move from a deal reached last month to operational steps on the ground. Lebanese negotiators seek progress toward an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, though sources across reports describe expectations for rapid progress as low.
A U.S. official says the parties agree on the structure and guidelines for a “pilot zone” process, which involves implementing two pilot areas first, with the broader goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement. The framework deal calls for steps such as disarmament of Hezbollah, deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, and Israel’s steady withdrawal, but it does not set a clear timetable for withdrawal. Hezbollah rejects the framework, while Israeli officials maintain they will keep forces in a 10-kilometre-deep security zone along the border as long as Hezbollah remains armed.
Following the Rome talks, the parties are expected to move into expanded technical discussions focused on implementing the remaining elements of the “Trilateral Framework.”
