Key facts
- Israel and Lebanon will hold US-mediated talks in Italy on August 4.
- Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the upcoming talks.
- The announcement followed an incident where Israeli troops allegedly opened fire near Lebanese soldiers.
- The Lebanese army stated the incident could impede deployment into agreed pilot zones.
A new round of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon is scheduled to take place in Italy on August 4, according to Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The announcement came after the Lebanese army reported that Israeli troops opened fire near Lebanese soldiers in a pilot zone previously agreed upon during talks in Rome. The Lebanese army stated that this incident could impede deployment into these zones.
Previous rounds of talks between the two nations, which do not have diplomatic relations and are technically in a state of war, have been mediated by the United States. A framework agreement for lasting peace was reportedly signed last month, following a fragile ceasefire. This agreement includes the restoration of Lebanese army authority in southern Lebanon, contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament, starting with pilot zones from which Israeli forces would withdraw.