A new round of U.S.-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is set to take place in Rome from Aug. 4 to 6, a U.S. State Department official said, pointing to what Washington views as “significant momentum” heading into the next phase of talks.
“We are entering these discussions with significant momentum following the successful launch of the first pilot zone in southern Lebanon and President Aoun’s productive meeting with President Trump last week,” the official said, according to JNS correspondent Mike Wagenheim.
According to the official, technical delegations gathering in the Italian capital will work to move forward with the full implementation of the trilateral framework agreement. The agenda is expected to include the expansion of pilot zones, efforts to settle unresolved border issues and steps toward a broader peace and security accord.
“The first pilot zone is a concrete opportunity to deliver real progress on the ground, restoring Lebanese state authority through the verifiable disarmament of terrorist organizations and building the confidence needed for next steps,” the official added.
The official described the framework as “the only path to lasting peace,” adding that the Trump administration remains committed to seeing the process succeed.
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter confirmed to JNS that talks would resume on Aug. 4, following the sixth negotiating round held in Rome earlier this month. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also informed parliament that the next session would begin in Rome on that date.
The Rome discussions come after earlier U.S.-brokered meetings in Washington, where Israeli and Lebanese representatives reached a framework agreement on June 26 during the fifth round of negotiations.
The 14-point Israel-Lebanon Trilateral Framework Agreement includes provisions calling for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Israel has maintained that any full withdrawal of its forces will depend on the removal of the threat posed by the Iranian-backed terror group.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 21, with Trump pledging to support Lebanon’s efforts to restore stability and expressing hope that the country will eventually join the Abraham Accords.
