Lebanon Agrees to Participate in Rome Talks with Israel Amid US-Led Negotiations

Lebanon has confirmed its participation in upcoming talks with Israel scheduled for July 15 and 16 in Rome, according to a Lebanese official cited by AFP. These discussions come as a US military delegation holds meetings with the Lebanese army to explore mechanisms for implementing an Israeli withdrawal from two trial zones in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s involvement in the new negotiation round is contingent on Israel’s withdrawal from these specific areas, a diplomatic source revealed.

The talks in Rome precede a planned visit by Lebanon’s president to Washington later in July, invited by US President Donald Trump. Lebanon and Israel had signed a framework agreement in Washington on June 26, which outlines the disarmament of Hezbollah and a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army deploying in the two trial zones. However, the agreement does not specify a timeline for Israel’s pullout.

Israel has repeatedly stated it will not withdraw from a 10-kilometer security zone along its border until Hezbollah is disarmed, a condition that military analysts doubt Lebanon can fulfill. Hezbollah refuses to disarm or engage directly in negotiations with Israel, relying instead on Iran’s support to prevent war with Israel.