Israel-Lebanon Talks in Rome Face Delay as Pilot Zone Transfer Postponed
Israel and Lebanon are set to hold a two-day round of talks in Rome, likely next week, following a framework agreement signed in Washington by their ambassadors. However, insiders indicate uncertainty about the timing, with a possible postponement to the following week. One reason for the delay is the upcoming visit of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Washington on July 21, after which the parties may prefer to hold the talks. The shift from Washington to Rome was decided because most working groups are from the Middle East, making Italy a more convenient location. Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington, Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh, will travel to Rome for the talks.
The United States is considering a possible trilateral meeting involving President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Aoun, though Lebanon strongly opposes any meeting with Netanyahu. Trump may pressure for such a meeting. Netanyahu’s visit to Washington remains unscheduled, with talks of it possibly happening next week but nothing confirmed.
In a recent security cabinet briefing, Israel’s situation was described as "excellent," highlighting that the agreement effectively severs Iran’s influence and grants Israel international legitimacy to remain in a security zone 8 to 10 kilometers deep inside Lebanese territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure there. Israel is also to hand over two pilot zones to the Lebanese army, but a senior Israeli official said it will take weeks before the Lebanese army is ready. The official added that Israel doubts the Lebanese army’s ability to dismantle Hezbollah and expects to do so itself in due time, maintaining control over the security zone to protect Israeli communities and thoroughly clear the area.
Meanwhile, a rare Zoom dialogue took place between former Israeli National Security Council deputy head Eran Etzion and Lebanese-American peace activist Nizar Zakka, with hundreds of participants from various countries. The discussion focused on prospects for peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon. Zakka, a former Iranian regime prisoner and prominent Arab advocate for peace, emphasized that most Lebanese desire peace and normalization to improve economic and social conditions. He cited surveys showing 62% Lebanese support for a peace agreement with Israel, with shared economic expectations on tourism, business, and investment. The dialogue also launched a joint Israeli-Lebanese petition promoting peace, security, stability, and prosperity.
Regarding Gaza, an Israeli official stated that Israel currently controls 60-70% of the territory, pushing Hamas into a small coastal area. Israel is expanding the "yellow line" to clear terrorist infrastructure, aiming for complete control over time, possibly within two years, while avoiding a large-scale military draft. The official dismissed reports of Hamas recovery as exaggerated, emphasizing Israel’s full control over imports and smuggling.
Summary: Israel and Lebanon plan to resume talks in Rome next week, though a delay is possible due to Lebanese President Aoun’s Washington visit. Israel maintains control over a security zone in southern Lebanon and will gradually transfer pilot areas to the Lebanese army. Meanwhile, rare Israeli-Lebanese civil dialogue promotes peace, and Israel continues operations against Hamas in Gaza.
