Rome, 5 August, 2026(Nosheen): A new round of United States-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel commenced in Rome on Tuesday, as both sides seek progress toward implementing a framework agreement aimed at enhancing stability along the shared border and achieving a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Delegations from Lebanon and Israel arrived at the United States Embassy in the Italian capital, where discussions are scheduled to continue through Thursday.The latest round of talks follows a framework agreement reached in Washington in June, under which Hezbollah would be disarmed, Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese Armed Forces would deploy to the region in phases, beginning with designated “pilot zones.” The Rome negotiations mark the seventh round of US-sponsored discussions since renewed hostilities erupted in March, when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel in support of Iran. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction in Lebanon.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed his government’s commitment to securing a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory through continued diplomatic engagement. He told a cabinet meeting that Lebanon is pursuing “successive Israeli withdrawals” leading to the full restoration of its territorial sovereignty. According to a US State Department official, the current negotiations will focus on expanding the pilot zone initiative, resolving outstanding border disputes, and advancing efforts toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement between the two countries.The pilot zone approach has already shown initial progress. Following previous negotiations, Israeli forces withdrew from the outskirts of the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya, enabling the Lebanese Army to deploy to the area and facilitate the safe return of residents to inspect their homes and businesses. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the renewed dialogue and urged both parties to continue negotiations in a constructive spirit to ensure the full implementation of the agreed framework and contribute to lasting regional stability.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem strongly criticized the negotiations, arguing that direct talks with Israel would undermine Lebanon’s national interests. He also criticized President Joseph Aoun, accusing him of failing to act as a neutral and unifying leader. US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa emphasized the importance of a measured and carefully coordinated implementation process, warning that moving too quickly could jeopardize civilian safety. He stressed that a successful rollout of the initial pilot zones would facilitate smoother implementation of future phases.The Rome negotiations are widely viewed as an important diplomatic effort aimed at reducing tensions, strengthening security arrangements, and laying the foundation for a broader and more durable peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel.