Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jul 28: The next round of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Rome from Aug 4 to 6, with technical teams set to discuss expanding a pilot zone in southern Lebanon, resolving border disputes and advancing an eventual peace and security agreement, the US State Department said.
According to the department, the discussions will focus on implementing the framework agreement signed by the two countries last month.
"We are entering these discussions with significant momentum following the successful launch of the first pilot zone in southern Lebanon and President Aoun's productive meeting with President Trump last week," a State Department official said.
The meeting in Rome will bring together technical teams from Israel and Lebanon under US mediation.
Officials said the agenda includes expanding the pilot zone process, resolving outstanding border issues and working towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
The pilot zone initiative aims to restore the authority of the Lebanese state in southern Lebanon through the verifiable disarmament of armed groups operating in the area.
"The first pilot zone is a concrete opportunity to deliver real progress on the ground, restoring Lebanese state authority through the verifiable disarmament of terrorist organizations and building the confidence needed for next steps," the official said.
The development follows the Israel Defense Forces' first withdrawal from a pilot zone in southern Lebanon last week. Lebanon has accused Israel of hindering the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in the area, while the US maintained that the transfer of authority was progressing successfully.
Washington described the framework agreement as the only viable path to lasting peace and said it remains committed to ensuring its successful implementation.
The upcoming talks follow an earlier meeting between Israeli and Lebanese delegations hosted by the US State Department in Washington on June 3.
The Rome negotiations come ahead of Israel's Knesset elections scheduled for October, amid concerns that the political calendar could affect further Israeli withdrawals, while Lebanon continues to seek greater operational control over its southern region.