US confirms Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome

The United States has confirmed that Israel and Lebanon will hold their next round of talks in Rome from August 4 to 6.

The United States has confirmed that Israel and Lebanon will hold their next round of talks in Rome from August 4 to 6.

The negotiations will focus on implementing a framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict and improving security along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The talks will be mediated by the United States. Technical teams from both sides are expected to discuss several key issues.

One major issue will be the expansion of pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Israel is preparing to withdraw from two of these areas as part of the framework agreement.

The discussions will also cover unresolved border disputes. The sides are expected to explore steps towards a wider peace and security arrangement.

The framework emerged after fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on March 2. The conflict took place amid wider tensions across the Middle East.

Under the agreement, Hezbollah is expected to disarm. Lebanese forces are also to increase their deployment in southern Lebanon.

Israeli forces are expected to withdraw gradually from parts of southern Lebanon. The process will initially involve two designated pilot zones.

US officials said the experience from the initial zones could help establish a broader system for withdrawal and security arrangements.

The United States believes the pilot zones can be expanded in stages if the initial process proves successful.

The Lebanese army, however, has raised concerns over continued Israeli military activity in the south.

Beirut has accused Israel of carrying out intermittent strikes and artillery attacks despite the reduction in fighting.

Lebanese officials say the continued military activity is making it harder for the army to fully deploy in the south under the framework agreement.