Lebanon-Israel Resume US-Mediated Talks in Rome

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO/ UN peacekeepers in Lebanon distribute basic necessities to civilians living near the Blue Line in southern Lebanon/© UNIFIL

JAKARTA - A new round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon mediated by the United States began in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday (4/8).

"The latest talks facilitated by the US between Israel and Lebanon began today in Rome and will last until August 6," said US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, quoted by ANTARA from Sputnik, Wednesday, August 5.

The talks brought together technical teams from Lebanon and Israel to continue implementing the trilateral framework. The framework includes a pilot zone initiative, the disarmament of the Hezbollah group, the redeployment of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and paving the way for a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

"The United States remains fully committed to supporting both governments in continuing this process in a way that ensures the long-term security of both countries, eliminates security threats to Israel, and restores the authority of the Lebanese state throughout the southern region," Pigott added.

The framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel in Washington on June 26 stipulates that the Lebanese army will take back control of the country's southern region on the condition that the Hezbollah group is disarmed.

The process will begin with the establishment of a pilot zone, where Israeli forces are expected to begin withdrawing.

Nevertheless, Israeli attacks on Lebanon still occur almost daily, although their intensity has reportedly decreased slightly in recent times.

Israel also still maintains its military presence in southern Lebanon, an area where most residents are still forced to flee.