BEIRUT: New Negotiations Between Lebanon and Israel Make Progress
On Wednesday, Lebanon and Israel wrapped up a new round of talks in Rome, mediated by the United States. The discussions resulted in an agreement to move forward with “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, as outlined in a recent framework deal, according to a U.S. official.
The official described the two-day talks as “productive and positive,” noting that the participants have reached a consensus on how to structure and implement the pilot zones in the coming days.
These negotiations in Italy follow a framework agreement finalized last month after five rounds of talks in Washington. Lebanese negotiators are hopeful for advancements regarding Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The agreement aims to end the state of war between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitate the disarmament of the group, deploy Lebanese troops in the south, and enable a gradual Israeli withdrawal, starting with the pilot zones.
However, Hezbollah has rejected the deal, which does not specify a timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israeli officials have stated that their troops will remain in a “security zone” that extends about 10 kilometers (six miles) into Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed that Israel is ready to move forward with implementing the pilot zones.
Though Lebanon and Israel have no formal relations, negotiations began after Hezbollah’s actions drew Lebanon into the larger conflict with Israel in March.
Going forward, the U.S. official mentioned that the next step would be expanded technical discussions aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement between Israel and Lebanon under the Trilateral Framework.
Meanwhile, a source from the Lebanese military indicated that the Lebanese army has ramped up patrols in villages close to areas currently occupied by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, preparing for the pilot zones’ implementation.
The agreement came after a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has seen continued Israeli strikes and detonations in the southern region. The recent talks precede a planned visit by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Washington on July 21, invited by U.S. President Donald Trump.
