Key facts
- Lebanon and Israel are holding U.S.-brokered talks in Rome.
- The talks aim to implement a framework deal agreed upon on June 26.
- The deal includes an end to the conflict, disarmament of militant groups, deployment of Lebanese troops, and Israeli withdrawal.
- Lebanon seeks a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces zone by zone.
- Italy is hosting the talks to facilitate a ceasefire.
- Over 4,000 Lebanese and at least 36 Israelis have been killed since fighting resumed in March.
Lebanon and Israel resumed U.S.-brokered talks in Rome on Tuesday, with the aim of implementing a framework deal agreed upon in Washington on June 26. Beirut is hoping for progress towards securing an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, though expectations for swift advancement are low.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel reignited in March amid wider regional tensions. Israel maintains a buffer zone approximately 10 km deep into Lebanon along its border, stating it is necessary to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks. The June 26 agreement called for an end to the conflict, disarmament of militant groups, deployment of Lebanese troops to the south, and the progressive withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Lebanese officials stated that their delegation in Rome would seek a gradual and sequential withdrawal of Israeli troops, zone by zone, as part of a 'pilot zone' project. This project involves Hezbollah disarming, Israeli forces withdrawing, and Lebanese troops deploying in southern Lebanon incrementally. The U.S. military's Central Command (Centcom) is coordinating with both nations to launch these pilot zones, with a U.S. military delegation recently discussing the plan with the Lebanese army.
Italy offered to host the talks, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressing pleasure that Rome could serve as a venue for peace. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope for tangible and practical steps on the ground, including the commencement of Israel's troop pull-out to allow for the deployment of the Lebanese army.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, deadly Israeli strikes have continued, and Hezbollah has rejected the agreement and disarmament efforts. Israel has stated its troops will remain in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah is armed. Israel's military has been destroying infrastructure, including tunnels, used by Hezbollah. Since March, over 4,000 Lebanese have been killed and more than a million displaced, according to Lebanon's health ministry. At least 32 Israeli soldiers and four Israeli civilians have been killed by Hezbollah.