Technical meetings to focus on border issues, pilot zone expansion and framework implementation
ROME: US-led negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are set to resume in Rome next week, with officials aiming to build on recent efforts to implement a security framework agreement reached last month, according to US media reports.
Technical working groups are scheduled to meet from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 to discuss the next phase of the agreement. According to a US State Department official quoted by local media, the talks follow what Washington described as positive momentum after the launch of the first pilot security zone in southern Lebanon and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The discussions are expected to focus on expanding the pilot zone initiative, addressing unresolved border disputes and advancing implementation of the broader security framework.
US officials said the initial pilot zone is intended to strengthen Lebanese state authority through the verified disarmament of armed groups and create confidence for future phases of the agreement.
Framework links withdrawal to security measures
The State Department official described the trilateral framework as the preferred path toward long-term stability, adding that lessons learned from the first pilot zone would help refine future implementation.
Lebanon and Israel signed the framework agreement on June 26. The arrangement provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory but does not specify a timetable. Instead, it links the withdrawal to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in vacated areas and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.
Security situation remains fragile
Despite the diplomatic process, tensions remain high along the Lebanon-Israel border.
According to official Lebanese figures, Israeli military operations since March 2 have killed 4,328 people and injured 12,232 others. Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon, while parts of southern Lebanese territory remain under Israeli control, including areas occupied for decades and others captured during the conflict between October 2023 and November 2024.
The upcoming Rome talks are expected to assess progress on the framework while exploring further measures aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening long-term regional security.
