Beirut seeks Israeli withdrawal while disarmament dispute remains unresolved
ROME: Lebanese and Israeli officials resumed negotiations in Rome on Tuesday under US mediation, aiming to advance the implementation of a framework agreement focused on an Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon and broader security arrangements.
The two-day discussions are taking place at the US Embassy in the Italian capital. Lebanese officials said their delegation will push for a phased Israeli withdrawal, allowing the Lebanese Armed Forces to gradually deploy across southern Lebanon. Italy offered to host the talks as part of international efforts to support a lasting ceasefire.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that the negotiations would produce practical steps on the ground, including the beginning of Israel’s troop withdrawal. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also welcomed the talks, describing Rome as a venue dedicated to advancing peace.
Disarmament dispute continues to complicate negotiations
The negotiations follow a US-backed framework reached on June 26 that called for an end to hostilities, the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, and the disarmament of armed groups, widely understood to refer to Hezbollah.
However, Hezbollah has rejected calls to disarm, while Israel has maintained that its forces will remain in southern Lebanon until it considers the security threat eliminated. Israeli officials continue to describe their military presence as necessary to protect northern Israeli communities.
Lebanese officials are advocating a “pilot zone” approach under which Hezbollah would gradually withdraw from selected areas as Israeli forces pull back and Lebanese troops assume responsibility for security. According to officials, the United States Central Command has been coordinating with both sides on the proposed phased implementation.
Despite ongoing diplomacy, military operations have continued. Israeli forces have carried out strikes and demolition operations in southern Lebanon, while Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports thousands of deaths and more than one million displaced people since fighting intensified. Israeli authorities have also reported military and civilian casualties resulting from Hezbollah attacks, underscoring the fragile security situation despite renewed diplomatic efforts.
