'Israel' and Lebanon to resume Rome talks on US-brokered peace framework
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'Israeli' and Lebanese officials are set to meet in Rome next week for another round of US-led talks focused on implementing a framework agreement aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace between the two countries.
A US State Department official said the talks will take place in Rome from August 4 to 6, following the launch of initial "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon, where the 'Israeli' military said it transferred control to the Lebanese Armed Forces last week.
The upcoming discussions also follow a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun last week, as Washington pushes efforts to advance the agreement announced in late June.
The State Department official said the technical talks will focus on "advancing the full implementation of the framework agreement," including expanding the pilot zone process, addressing unresolved border issues, and working toward a broader peace and security agreement.
The official described the framework as "the only path to lasting peace," adding that lessons from the initial pilot zones would help improve the process before expanding it in phases.
"The first pilot zone is a concrete opportunity to deliver real progress on the ground, restoring Lebanese state authority through the verifiable disarmament of terrorist organizations and building the confidence needed for next steps," the official said.
The talks come as Washington seeks to strengthen Lebanese state control in southern Lebanon and address long-standing security concerns along the 'Israel'-Lebanon border.
