Lebanon, Israel agree on 'pilot zones' framework in US-brokered Rome talks

The talks, held at the US Embassy in Rome, are intended to address the progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops who currently occupy a buffer zone along the border. Israeli officials state this zone is necessary for the security of northern Israeli communities against attacks from Hezbollah. Lebanon, however, has called for an immediate withdrawal, with Israel indicating its troops will remain as long as Hezbollah is armed.

A US official described the two-day negotiations as "productive and positive," noting that the process would move to a technical phase to reach a comprehensive agreement. Despite intermittent deadly Israeli strikes and strong objections from Hezbollah, which rejects disarmament and direct engagement with Israel, the direct talks have persisted. Hezbollah relies on pressure from its ally, Iran, for an end to the conflict and Israeli withdrawal. More than 4,300 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict began in early March.