Seventh round of talks between Lebanon and Israel under way in Rome

Israel, Lebanon resume Rome talks on Hezbollah disarmament amid deep divisions

A new round of US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon resumed in Rome on Tuesday, with delegations seeking to advance a June 26 framework agreement that envisions the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. The talks, now in their seventh round, are being held at the US Embassy in Rome, according to DW.

Al Jazeera reported that the session is part of a three-day diplomatic push described as the second day of the second round of talks in Rome and the seventh overall, following five earlier sessions in Washington. The negotiations aim to build on the June framework deal and establish new 'pilot zones' in southern Lebanon from which Israeli forces would withdraw and the Lebanese army would assume control.

Coverage of the talks

Al Jazeera reported that Israeli and Lebanese representatives are holding political and military tracks, with Lebanon setting out its position on border issues and the military track addressing verification mechanisms for security arrangements, including the Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah's weapons. A senior Lebanese official was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying that Lebanon had received no answer from the Israeli political side on its commitment to the ceasefire.

Jerusalem Post reported that the talks continued despite Hezbollah's attacks on the IDF and Lebanese Armed Forces, which have not derailed the process. The outlet noted that sessions in Rome have ended early in response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.

Reuters and other outlets have not been part of the coverage provided, but the material at hand includes reports from Al Jazeera, DW, and RFI.

Key claims

• A US-brokered deal was reached on June 26, under which Israel would withdraw from large parts of southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah's disarmament.
• Five Lebanese soldiers were wounded in one incident, and two Israeli soldiers were killed in a similar event, as reported by Jerusalem Post.
• Hezbollah's chief Naim Qassem in a televised address on Tuesday said the talks would bring 'nothing but shame, humiliation, and successive compromises' for Lebanon, and criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's role in the process.
• Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces have continued strikes in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire, with the Lebanese army facing a major test in securing the border and disarming Hezbollah.

Perspectives

Hezbollah: Secretary-General Naim Qassem denounced the talks and President Aoun's role, saying Aoun 'has not acted as an arbiter, nor as a unifying figure, but has become biased and divisive.' He called the negotiations a source of 'shame' and 'humiliation' for Lebanon, according to DW and Jerusalem Post.

Lebanese activist: Raina Masri, a Lebanese activist quoted by RFI, argued 'These are not negotiations. Lebanon is gaining nothing, and losing everything,' and criticized President Aoun for not having official support for the process, calling it 'unconstitutional.'

Israeli official stance: While specific officials are not named in the provided material, the Jerusalem Post reported that an Israeli official confirmed the sides had agreed on the need to disarm and dismantle Hezbollah in a previous round.

Lebanese government: President Aoun was not directly quoted in the material, but his position appears to favor the talks, as he is reportedly leading the Lebanese side, a move critics say oversteps his authority.