Rome: A seventh round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel commenced on Tuesday in Rome, under the auspices of the United States. In these discussions, Beirut presented proposals concerning a renewed ceasefire, land border demarcation, and the establishment of mechanisms to verify Israel's withdrawal, as disclosed by a senior Lebanese official.
According to Anadolu Agency, delegations from both Lebanon and Israel are engaging in these talks to address issues related to the implementation of a US-mediated framework agreement that was signed in June between Beirut and Tel Aviv. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that Beirut prioritized the renewal of the ceasefire, alongside land border demarcation and creating a mechanism to verify Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese official revealed that Lebanon proposed large 'pilot zones' for Israeli withdrawal, including the southern cities of Bint Jbeil and Khiam, as discussions progressed into technical and implementation specifics. The two sides are also deliberating on appointing a third party-other than the United States-to verify the Israeli withdrawal and oversee the transfer of the areas to the Lebanese army.
For the first time, the Israeli delegation dropped its previous demand for Hezbollah's disarmament before proceeding with discussions on the land border, the official noted. The focus has now shifted to restoring the internationally demarcated border established in 1923, a change prompted by the involvement of an international legal expert in the negotiations.
Rome had previously hosted a sixth round of talks on June 14, following five rounds in Washington that culminated in the signing of a US-mediated framework agreement on June 26. This agreement outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories in return for the deployment of the Lebanese army in those regions and the disarmament of armed groups, specifically referencing Hezbollah.
These latest talks occur amidst ongoing tensions along Lebanon's southern border, with Israel continuing land-clearing, demolition, and large-scale explosive operations targeting homes and infrastructure in several southern towns, despite the framework agreement. Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in 4,333 fatalities and 12,236 injuries, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel's military operations have persisted despite the US-sponsored framework agreement.