Israel-Lebanon Talks in Rome Postponed to October

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, originally scheduled for next week in Rome, have been postponed until October due to scheduling conflicts, including the UN General Assembly in late September, the upcoming High Holidays, and a conference supporting the Lebanese army in Paris. An American diplomatic source involved in the mediation confirmed the delay to AFP.

Despite the postponement of the Rome talks, the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel to the United States are still expected to meet in Washington next week to discuss recent developments and the gradual implementation of the framework agreement reached in June. This agreement, which establishes the deployment of the Lebanese army in Israeli-vacated "pilot zones" contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament, remains the "only practical mechanism for restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and Israel's security," the U.S. source stated.

During the summer, two rounds of U.S.-sponsored talks were held in Rome. A Lebanese official expressed to Ynet and Yediot Ahronot that Israel "must help us" and provide "oxygen," suggesting that peace is possible if Hezbollah is disarmed. The official acknowledged that a pilot program for disarming Hezbollah in three villages had limited success due to the Lebanese army's weakness.

In parallel with the diplomatic efforts, Israel continues military operations. On Thursday evening, the IDF detonated over 1,100 tons of explosives to destroy extensive underground tunnels in the Ali Taher mountain range in southern Lebanon. These fortified tunnels, built with Iranian assistance, were considered a key Hezbollah nerve center, spanning approximately 5.4 kilometers and housing command centers, equipment rooms, and living quarters, enabling militants to operate and reside there for extended periods. The infrastructure was developed over two decades by Hezbollah's Badr unit and was strategically positioned to control access routes and direct fire towards northern Israel and the Galilee region.