Israel and Lebanon Resume Negotiations in Rome Amid Hezbollah Concerns

Israel and Lebanon are set to hold their sixth round of negotiations in Rome on Tuesday and Wednesday, conducted at the ambassadorial level in the United States. Israel will be represented by Yechiel Leiter, while Lebanon's delegation will be led by Nada Maawad. In an interview with CBS, Leiter explained that Israel, the U.S. Central Command, and the Lebanese army are currently preparing conditions to implement two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. These zones are intended to facilitate the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the area. Leiter emphasized that if these pilot zones are successfully handed over to the Lebanese army's control, the talks can progress. However, he warned that if Hezbollah remains present in these zones, Israel will maintain its current positions and not withdraw.