The United States has confirmed that a new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Rome from 4 to 6 August, as efforts continue to implement a June agreement providing for the gradual transfer of areas in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army and laying the groundwork for a future peace agreement.
A US State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said technical teams would focus on advancing implementation of the framework agreement.
The discussions are expected to cover the expansion of so-called "pilot zones," the resolution of outstanding border issues and preparations for a potential peace agreement between the two countries, which do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.
"The experience gained from the first pilot zones will help us refine implementation so that they can be expanded progressively," the official said.
Focus on southern Lebanon
The June agreement provides for the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in designated pilot zones vacated by Israeli forces.
Under the arrangement, the zones would gradually come under Lebanese military control, while Hezbollah would be required to disarm.
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite movement, has been accused by its critics of drawing Lebanon into the wider Middle East conflict that escalated on 2 March.
Lebanese army criticism
The Lebanese military on Sunday condemned continuing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon, arguing that they hinder the army's deployment under the terms of the agreement signed in Washington in June.
Although the intensity of the conflict has declined, Israeli forces continue to carry out occasional air strikes in Lebanon, particularly in the south of the country.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had announced the upcoming Rome talks several days earlier.
The meeting is viewed as another step in ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising southern Lebanon, addressing border disputes and testing whether limited cooperation can lead to broader political progress between the two neighbouring states.
