Israel and Lebanon Progress in Sixth Round of Talks in Rome, Near Pilot Zone Implementation

Rome, July 16: A new round of discussions between Israel and Lebanon has concluded in Rome. Both parties are nearing the implementation of a pilot project that involves transferring control of certain areas in southern Lebanon from the Israeli army to the Lebanese army.

According to a report from Italy’s news agency Agenzia Nova on Wednesday, the two nations have made progress on a system to withdraw Israeli forces from the first two pilot zones in southern Lebanon. They have also agreed to continue discussions.

Sources linked to the negotiations indicated that this development occurred following the conclusion of the sixth round of U.S.-mediated talks in Rome. The main focus of these discussions was to implement the framework agreement reached on June 26 in Washington. During this time, both sides clarified the processes, order, and conditions for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the disarmament of Hezbollah, and ensuring effective control of the relevant areas by the Lebanese government.

Sources noted that both Israel and Lebanon recognize that this entire process will take time. Lebanon aims to restore its sovereignty in the south while avoiding internal instability. Meanwhile, Israel emphasizes the need for verifiable security guarantees to ensure that areas vacated by its forces do not fall back under Hezbollah’s control.

Furthermore, Israel has stated that the complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is contingent upon the Lebanese army’s ability to maintain effective control over the area and progress in disarming Hezbollah.

The sixth round of talks took place at the U.S. embassy in Rome, following the fifth round held in Washington at the end of last month, which aimed to advance the ceasefire framework. Both parties have also agreed to another round of discussions, with the date yet to be determined.

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani remarked that hosting this meeting underscores Italy’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.