Technical working groups representing Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to convene in Rome from August 4 to August 6 for a new round of US-mediated talks. These negotiations aim to build on momentum following the successful launch of a pilot zone in southern Lebanon and a recent meeting between President Joseph Aoun and President Donald Trump.
According to a US State Department official, the upcoming discussions will prioritize the full implementation of the framework agreement signed on June 26. The agenda includes expanding the pilot zone initiative, addressing outstanding border disputes, and working toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement between the two nations. The official emphasized that the initial pilot zone serves as a concrete opportunity to restore Lebanese state authority, facilitate the verifiable disarmament of terrorist organizations, and build confidence for future phases.
Lessons learned from the initial implementation will be used to refine the process as it expands. The June 26 agreement provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, although it lacks a specific timetable. Instead, the withdrawal is linked to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in vacated areas and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah. The US official stated that the trilateral framework remains the only path to lasting peace and that the Trump administration is fully committed to its success.
The situation remains critical, as Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, including areas held for decades and others seized during the conflict spanning from October 2023 to November 2024. Official Lebanese figures report that Israeli attacks since March 2 have resulted in 4,328 deaths and 12,232 injuries.
