Ankara: Israel and Lebanon are set to engage in a new round of talks in Rome next week, according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN. Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, the discussions aim to establish a force that will verify whether specific pilot areas have been cleared of Hezbollah presence.

According to Anadolu Agency, further details regarding the countries or parties involved in this force, as well as its specific tasks and operational mechanisms, have not been disclosed by the broadcaster. The United States is reportedly advocating for an expansion of areas from which Israeli forces would withdraw, transferring control to the Lebanese army.

As of 1900 GMT, there was no immediate comment from Lebanon regarding the upcoming talks. Historically, Israel and Lebanon have engaged in seven rounds of direct negotiations since April 14, with five rounds taking place in Washington and the last two in Rome, despite Hezbollah's opposition and calls for the Lebanese government to cease negotiations.

The sixth round of talks resulted in a preliminary agreement to designate two 'pilot areas' for the initial phase of Israeli withdrawal. This new round of discussions arises as the Lebanese army reported on Wednesday that it has recorded 7,700 Israeli violations since the framework agreement was signed on June 26, warning that the ongoing violations jeopardize existing agreements.

The 'framework formula' proposes a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories, beginning with the designated pilot areas. Despite the framework agreement, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have persisted, which complicates the envisaged withdrawal and deployment of the Lebanese army in those regions.

Israel has maintained its occupation of various areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the 2023-2024 conflict, further expanding its territorial presence during its continued military operations.