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The next round of U.S.-led talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Rome from Aug. 4-6, with technical working groups seeking to advance the full implementation of a security framework agreement, U.S. media reported Monday.
According to a U.S. State Department official, the talks would build on recent developments, including the launch of the first pilot zone in southern Lebanon and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump last week.
“We are entering these discussions with significant momentum following the successful launch of the first pilot zone in southern Lebanon and President Joseph Aoun’s productive meeting with President Donald Trump last week,” local media quoted the official as saying.
According to the official, technical working groups meeting in Rome will focus on advancing the full implementation of the framework agreement reached last month.
The agenda will include expanding the pilot zone initiative, resolving outstanding border disputes and working toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
“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 said.
The official added that lessons learned from the initial pilot zone would help improve the implementation process before the initiative is expanded in phases.
“The trilateral framework is the only path to lasting peace. Fully implementing it is in the clear interest of both countries, and the Trump administration is committed to its success,” the official said.
Lebanon and Israel signed the framework agreement on June 26, providing for a phased Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory.
The agreement does not include a timetable for the withdrawal. Instead, it links completion of the process to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in areas vacated by Israeli forces.
The agreement also requires the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah, as part of the process.
According to official Lebanese figures, Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2 have killed 4,328 people and injured 12,232 others.
Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon. Some of those areas have been under Israeli occupation for decades, while others were seized during the previous war between October 2023 and November 2024.
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