Israel, Lebanon conclude Rome talks on implementing Washington agreement

Israel and Lebanon have concluded two days of talks in Rome aimed at advancing the implementation of a framework agreement signed in Washington, according to Al Jazeera.

The negotiations were led by the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors and mediated by the United States, with discussions focusing on the next steps needed to put the agreement into effect.

A key issue on the agenda was the planned withdrawal of Israeli forces from two designated "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon and the transfer of control of those areas to the Lebanese Armed Forces, in line with the terms of the agreement.

Israel and Lebanon have resumed negotiations following a June 26 meeting in Washington that produced a framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict and disarming armed groups, including Hezbollah.

The agreement called for the deployment of Lebanese troops to southern Lebanon and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. However, implementation has stalled, with Israel continuing military operations and Hezbollah rejecting both the deal and calls for its disarmament.

Israel has insisted its troops will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed. The Israeli military currently controls what it describes as a 10-kilometre buffer zone along the border, saying the measure is necessary to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks.

According to Israel, its forces have cleared villages and destroyed infrastructure, including tunnels allegedly used by Hezbollah.

Lebanon's health ministry says more than 4,000 people have been killed and over one million displaced since Israel launched its military campaign in March. Israeli authorities say at least 32 soldiers and four civilians have been killed in Hezbollah attacks during the same period.

By Aghakazim Guliyev