Second day of Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Rome concludes

The second day of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel concluded in Rome on Wednesday, following discussions on a number of issues raised by both parties, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). The talks specifically focused on matters relating to two ‘pilot areas’, though no further details on the outcome of the session were immediately disclosed.

Rome is hosting the sixth round of direct negotiations between the two sides since Tuesday (14/7), after five previous rounds were held in Washington, D.C., resulting in the signing of a framework agreement. The agreement stipulates a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory, beginning with two pilot areas, and links the pullout to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibilities and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, specifically referring to Hezbollah.

The Rome talks are proceeding as Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon. According to official Lebanese data, the attacks since 2 March have killed at least 4,324 people and injured 12,223 others, while displacing over one million people. Israel still occupies several positions in southern Lebanon, some of which it has held for decades, while others were seized during the 2023-2024 war.