Next round of Israel-Lebanon talks to be held in Rome

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will resume in Rome next week, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on July 7. Arab News reported that Sa’ar made the announcement.

“Less than two weeks ago, Israel, Lebanon and the United States reached a historic framework agreement. Those negotiations are expected to continue next week in Rome, Italy,” Sa’ar said during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

He added that Israel seeks peace with its neighbours and that peace must be based on security. Sa’ar also stressed that Israel has no territorial claims against Lebanon. Israel, Lebanon and the United States signed a trilateral framework agreement in Washington on June 26 aimed at ending hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

Under the agreement, Israeli forces will remain in the so-called security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.

The Lebanese Armed Forces are to restore control over the entire country and disarm all non-state armed groups through a gradual process. The Lebanese army will first establish full control over agreed pilot areas, after which Israeli forces will withdraw from those areas in phases. 

Israel has stressed that it has no territorial claims against Lebanon and that its actions are a response to the threat posed by Hezbollah. The parties have also stated their intention to end the conflict between them, ensure the sovereignty and security of both countries, and establish peaceful, good-neighbourly relations.