Washington, July 28: The U.S. State Department announced that the next round of U.S.-led negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Rome from August 4 to 6. Technical teams will focus on creating a framework for peace and security agreements.
The discussions will center on expanding a pilot zone in southern Lebanon, resolving remaining border disputes, and fully implementing the framework agreement signed between the two countries last month.
A State Department official stated, “We are moving forward rapidly in these talks following the successful launch of the first pilot zone in southern Lebanon and the positive meeting between President Trump and President Aoun last week.”
During the meeting in Rome, technical groups from Israel and Lebanon will convene, with the U.S. facilitating the dialogue.
The official added, “In Rome, the technical teams will concentrate on fully implementing the framework agreement. This includes expanding the pilot zone process, resolving all remaining border issues, and working towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement.”
The aim of the pilot zone is to re-establish the authority of the Lebanese government in southern Lebanon. It also addresses the need to eliminate verifiable weapons held by terrorist organizations operating in the area.
The official emphasized, “The first pilot zone presents a tangible opportunity to make real progress on the ground, restore the authority of the Lebanese government by eliminating verifiable weapons of terrorist groups, and build the necessary trust for the next steps.”
Last week, the Israel Defense Forces completed their first withdrawal from the pilot zone in southern Lebanon. Since then, Beirut has accused Jerusalem of obstructing the efforts of the Lebanese Armed Forces in the area.
However, the U.S. State Department stated that the transfer of authority is proceeding successfully. The government views the first zone as a test for similar arrangements in other areas along the border.
The official remarked, “The experience from the initial zone will help us implement the pilot zones more effectively, allowing for gradual expansion.”
Washington has presented this framework as a key pathway to resolving the long-standing tensions between Israel and Lebanon and establishing a more sustainable security arrangement.
The official concluded, “The trilateral framework is the only path to lasting peace. Fully implementing it is in the clear interest of both countries, and the Trump administration is committed to its success.”
This latest round follows the first meeting held on June 3 in Washington, D.C., hosted by the State Department, which included Israeli and Lebanese delegations. Participants included Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, Chief of Staff of the State Department Daniel Haller, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michele Sison, and Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh.
The talks in Rome come at a time when Israel is preparing for Knesset elections in October. Concerns have been raised that the upcoming elections may complicate the Israeli military’s withdrawal, while Lebanon seeks greater operational control for its army in the south.
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