Lebanon-Israel Talks Ended Faster Yesterday, US Says to Resume Today

Lebanon-Israel negotiating doc. (Twitter/@yechielleiter)

JAKARTA - Officials from the United States Department of State stated that the Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Rome, Italy on Wednesday ended early "due to the situation on the ground, but will resume tomorrow morning (Thursday)."

He added that the discussion focused on "various political and military issues and was very productive."

US-led negotiations between Lebanon and Israel ended early "due to the situation on the ground," a US State Department official said on Wednesday, launching Al Arabiya (6/8).

The talks ended at 15:30 local time, earlier than expected. Officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said the meeting would continue on Thursday morning.

"The discussion focused on various political and military issues and was very productive," the official said.

"The technical team has made progress in determining the main details related to the implementation of the Trilateral Framework," he continued.

Previously, a senior US State Department official told Al Arabiya English that there was "significant momentum" ahead of the talks, referring to the successful launch of the first pilot zone in southern Lebanon as well as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House last month.

As previously reported, the US led follow-up talks between Israel and Lebanon, with negotiators seeking to build on recent progress towards the implementation of a security framework agreement, on August 4-6 in Rome, Italy.

The agenda will include expanding pilot zone initiatives, resolving outstanding border disputes, and efforts towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

However, as negotiations were underway in Italy, the Israeli military again attacked Lebanon on Wednesday, accusing the militant group Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire, while Beirut reported at least one dead.