In Rome, on the second day of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, ambassadors seek agreement on the withdrawal of the Israeli army

A second day of talks between Israel and Lebanon has taken place in Rome, with ambassadors seeking agreement on the Israeli military withdrawal. The negotiations, held at the American embassy, aim to establish a clear timetable for implementing the framework agreement reached under U.S. mediation last month. This marks the sixth direct cycle of discussions between the two sides, following five rounds hosted in Washington. This time, however, the meetings have been conducted in Rome, highlighting Italy’s growing role in regional peace efforts. The talks resumed today after a productive first day, during which representatives from both nations discussed the implementation of Israel's withdrawal from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon. These areas were agreed upon within the broader framework deal brokered by the United States in late June. According to a spokesperson for Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who leads the Israeli delegation, the parties focused on how to operationalize this withdrawal, which has yet to be fully executed. A U.S. State Department official noted that the discussions proceeded in a positive atmosphere, with both sides expressing willingness to move forward. Italy has played a key role in encouraging the parties to avoid further military operations, urging Iran to pressure Hezbollah to halt its actions against Israel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani emphasized the importance of holding these talks in Rome, stating that the country is actively contributing to peace initiatives in the Middle East. The Italian government has sought to mediate between the conflicting parties, particularly in light of ongoing tensions involving Hezbollah and its ties to Iran. The framework agreement, mediated by the United States, outlines a plan consisting of 14 points aimed at ending the state of war permanently. It includes provisions for the Israeli military’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the deployment of the Lebanese regular army along the border, and the disarming of Hezbollah and other militias, while affirming the Lebanese state’s monopoly on armed force. However, the practical application of these terms remains challenging, especially given Hezbollah’s refusal to accept the agreement, which effectively calls for its military dismantling. The current talks in Rome focus on establishing a detailed schedule for implementing the agreement, particularly concerning the transition process. Lebanon proposes a gradual but immediate Israeli withdrawal from designated pilot zones, allowing the Lebanese army to take over security responsibilities immediately. Israel, however, demands absolute guarantees that these evacuated areas will not be reoccupied by Shiite militias before the complete withdrawal. The discussions aim to find a technical compromise on this transition, defining the timing and methods through which the Lebanese army can assume responsibility in the initial designated areas. The upcoming meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and former U.S. President Donald Trump on July 21 adds another layer of complexity to the situation. According to Axios, citing sources close to the issue, Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel must begin withdrawing its forces from Syria and Lebanon. This message underscores the evolving diplomatic landscape and the potential influence of external actors in shaping the outcome of the negotiations.