United States-mediated diplomatic talks have opened in Rome to establish new pilot zones in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are slated to begin withdrawing under a framework deal while the Lebanese army assumes control, according to regional reports. The three-day diplomatic sessions arrive as Israeli forces continue near-daily strikes across southern Lebanon despite agreeing to a conditional ceasefire earlier in June.
Rome Diplomatic Talks and Pilot Zone Proposals
High-level political and military delegations from both sides gathered in the Italian capital for the seventh round of negotiations. According to a Lebanese official speaking to Anadolu agency, the Lebanese political team includes former ambassador to the US Simon Karam and incumbent Nada Mouawad, alongside a military delegation led by Brigadier-General George Rizkallah. Legal adviser Antoine Sfeir and land-surveying expert Najib Massihi are also participating, while The Times of Israel reports that Israeli military and political representatives are likewise in attendance.
During the current agenda, Lebanon plans to propose new pilot areas for an Israeli withdrawal, putting forward either Bint Jbeil or Khiam south of the Litani River for the second phase, according to the same Lebanese official. The military delegation has brought maps detailing Lebanese army deployments in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh—the initial pilot area agreed upon during the sixth round of talks in Washington, DC—alongside plans for future deployments.
The June Framework Deal and Buffer Zone Disputes
Under the US-brokered June 26 framework deal, Israel agreed to withdraw from large swaths of southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah. The conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Since then, according to published figures, Israel has occupied nearly one-fifth of Lebanon from the south, killing more than 4,000 people and displacing over one million residents.
The framework outlined a sequenced process for the Lebanese army to restore sovereign authority pending the verified disarmament of non-state armed groups. Rather than mandating an immediate, complete withdrawal from the 20 percent of occupied territory, the agreement stated that Israel should progressively redeploy out of designated pilot zones. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video statement after the signing, asserting that Israel will maintain a buffer zone or “Yellow Line” approximately 10km (6 miles) inside Lebanon until Hezbollah fully disarms.
Ground Realities and Recent Military Strikes
Despite ongoing negotiations, military activity on the ground persists. The state-reported National News Agency (NNA) stated that Israeli forces dropped phosphorus bombs on olive and pine groves in Yaroun, Arnoun, and Bint Jbeil, causing large fires. Additional strikes targeted the Ali al-Taher hill near Nabatieh and Beaufort Castle, an action Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described as a “direct threat” to the framework agreement.
Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani told media prior to the Rome talks that the government remains dissatisfied with current on-the-ground developments, noting that the situation falls short of expectations. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa stated in a Sunday briefing that he is encouraged by the talks but warned that moving too quickly could jeopardize civilian safety. International Crisis Group analyst Heiko Wimmen told Al Jazeera that Washington seeks a wider peace process, whereas Israel appears to prefer slow-rolling the implementation while continuing actions like house demolitions and olive grove burnings.
Hezbollah Position and Political Divisions
Hezbollah remains outside direct negotiations, viewing the diplomatic track with hostility. In a televised speech marking the end of Ashura, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem denounced the Rome talks, stating they bring Lebanon “nothing other than shame, humiliation, disappointment and constant concessions.” At the same time, Qassem expressed support for the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River while criticizing President Aoun for fostering division rather than acting as a unifier.
In response to the ongoing diplomatic impasse, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized Hezbollah for dragging the country into futile wars. The divergence between government-led negotiations and Hezbollah’s rejection underscores the complex political friction surrounding the implementation of the US-brokered framework.
Did You Know?
The June 26 framework agreement does not require an immediate, total withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory. Instead, it utilizes a sequenced “pilot zone” program where the Lebanese military gradually assumes security responsibility as Israeli forces progressively redeploy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is attending the seventh round of talks in Rome?
The talks feature high-level political and military officials from Lebanon and Israel. The Lebanese delegation includes former ambassador to the US Simon Karam, incumbent Nada Mouawad, and Brigadier-General George Rizkallah, alongside legal and surveying experts.
What was agreed upon in the June 26 framework deal?
Brokered by the US, the framework established a sequenced process for Israeli forces to progressively redeploy from southern Lebanon into designated pilot zones, while the Lebanese army restores sovereign authority and non-state armed groups like Hezbollah disarm.
Is Hezbollah participating in the diplomatic negotiations?
No. Hezbollah is not a direct party to the talks. Secretary-General Naim Qassem has publicly denounced the negotiations, though the group supports the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River.
What areas are proposed for the next Israeli withdrawal phase?
According to a Lebanese official speaking to Anadolu agency, Lebanon plans to propose either Bint Jbeil or Khiam south of the Litani River as the second pilot area for an Israeli withdrawal.
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