Next round of Israel-Lebanon talks to take place early August in Rome, US official says

The next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Rome from August 4-6, a senior US State Department official said on Tuesday. The talks will focus on implementing the trilateral framework, resolving border issues, and expanding the pilot areas in southern Lebanon, in which Lebanese troops will verify that areas have been cleared of Hezbollah terrorists and weapons. The first pilot zone represents a genuine opportunity to achieve progress on the ground by restoring the authority of the Lebanese state through the verified disarmament of terrorist organizations and building the trust needed for the next steps.The experience gained from the initial pilot zones will help improve the model's implementation, enabling its gradual expansion in stages.Negotiators also plan to work towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement, according to the official. This comes following last week's meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump.The Trump administration is committed to the discussions, the official noted, adding that all sides are entering talks with “significant momentum" following the presidents' talks and the gradual implementation of the pilot zones. He also stressed that the trilateral framework is the only path to achieving lasting peace and that its full implementation is clearly in the interests of both countries.