Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome delayed to October: US official
The so-called Trilateral Framework between Israel, Lebanon and the United States involves the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon's south and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region, starting in test areas known as "pilot zones."
In a setback to ongoing efforts between Israel and Lebanon, the next round of talks in Rome has been postponed until October, according to a U.S. official. The U.S. had initially suggested the meetings would commence in early September. While the delayed negotiations will proceed, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors will convene at the State Department in Washington the following week to review recent developments and the implementation of the Trilateral Framework, which includes Hezbollah disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon's southern region and Lebanese army deployment to designated "pilot zones."
The U.S. official emphasized that the framework remains the sole viable approach to restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and enhancing Israel's security. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel following the United States and Israel's war against Iran in late February. Violence decreased following an Iran-U.S. understanding in June and subsequent Lebanon-Israel accord; however, recent strikes have intensified.
The delay in Rome was attributed to several factors, such as U.N. General Assembly preparations, Jewish holidays, and the Paris conference supporting Lebanese Armed Forces.
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