Israel and Lebanon Begin Seventh Round of U.S.-Mediated Talks in Rome

Delegates from Israel and Lebanon convened at the U.S. embassy in Rome on Tuesday for the seventh round of American-sponsored talks, with Beirut pushing for phased withdrawals from the south and the renewal of a ceasefire amid sharp opposition from Hezbollah.

Delegations Gather in Rome for Seventh Round of Talks

Convoys carrying delegations from Israel and the Lebanese government arrived at the U.S. embassy in the Italian capital on Tuesday morning for diplomatic sessions scheduled to run through Thursday, as State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the opening of the diplomatic push.

The negotiations mark the seventh round of Washington-mediated discussions since Hezbollah entered the broader regional conflict in March by firing rockets across the northern border in support of its regional backer, Iran. Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and a ground invasion that Lebanese officials state have killed more than 4,300 people.

According to reports from the first day of meetings, Tuesday’s agenda included two distinct tracks: a diplomatic session focused on land border demarcation, where Lebanon presented its official position, and a military meeting addressing withdrawal verification mechanisms and potential third-party oversight.

Pilot Zones, CeASEFIRE Renewal, and Border Demarcation

At the center of Beirut’s strategy is the implementation and expansion of a framework agreement initially brokered in Washington in June. That preliminary deal outlines the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern territory, the disarmament of non-state groups, and the deployment of the Lebanese army into cleared test areas known as pilot zones.

Seventh round of Israel-Lebanon talks begins – what’s on the agenda — Photo: Al Jazeera

During last month’s initial pilot phase, Israeli forces withdrew from the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiya, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy and residents to inspect their properties.

In the current Rome discussions, Lebanon proposed expanding the pilot zone process to include major southern cities such as Bint Jbeil and Khiam, situated south of the Litani River. Significantly, the Israeli delegation dropped its previous demand that Hezbollah be fully disarmed before discussions on the land border could proceed, shifting focus toward restoring the internationally recognized border established in 1923.

Hezbollah Condemns Negotiations as Prime Minister Hits Back

While diplomats met in Rome, domestic political divisions in Lebanon intensified. In a televised address on Tuesday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem launched a severe attack on the diplomatic process and the nation’s leadership.

Lebanese soldiers stand guard in the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, after the withdrawal of Israeli forces under a US-mediated — Photo: Reuters

Qassem also criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, accusing him in his televised address of acting in a manner that has not acted as an arbiter, nor as a unifying figure, but has become biased and divisive.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam responded sharply on social media, defending the government’s sovereign prerogative and turning the blame back on the armed group. Salam stated that those who unilaterally take the decision of war and try to continue to seize the state’s decision-making have no standing to lecture the country on patriotism or sovereignty.

International Caution and Implementation Challenges Ahead

International participants have urged both sides to proceed constructively while acknowledging the difficult hurdles that remain. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on the delegations to continue in a constructive spirit to achieve full implementation of the June framework.

New round of talks about Israeli withdrawal from south of Lebanon • FRANCE 24 English

At the same time, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa cautioned against moving at an imprudent pace. It is better to take the time needed to get this right the first time, Issa said, Doing so will allow subsequent pilot zones to move forward more efficiently.

Talks in Rome are scheduled to resume Wednesday morning.