New Israel-Lebanon talks will take place in Rome next week, the US State Department confirmed on Monday, as efforts continue to implement the framework agreement reached between the two countries in June.
The discussions are scheduled for 4–6 August and will focus on the creation of “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon that Israel is expected to transfer to the Lebanese army.
Focus on implementation and border issues
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US State Department official said technical teams would meet in Rome to advance the implementation of the framework agreement.
The talks will also address border-related issues and preparations for a future peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which do not have formal diplomatic relations.
According to the official, experience gained from the first pilot zones would help refine the implementation process, allowing the initiative to expand gradually.
Lebanese army raises concerns
On Sunday, the Lebanese army criticised the continuation of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, saying they were preventing its planned deployment under the agreement signed in Washington in June.
Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, had announced the upcoming talks several days earlier.
June agreement
The June agreement provides for the deployment of the Lebanese armed forces in pilot zones vacated by Israeli troops, which continue to occupy large areas of southern Lebanon.
The arrangement is conditional on the disarmament of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite movement that has been accused of drawing Lebanon into the Middle East conflict on 2 March.
Although the intensity of the conflict has eased, the Israeli military continues to carry out occasional airstrikes in Lebanon, mainly in the country’s south.
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