Next round of talks betwen Israel and Lebanon to begin in Rome August 4

WASHINGTON — The State Department confirms that the next round of US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place next week in Rome.

Technical teams from each side will meet from August 4 to August 6 and focus on advancing the implementation of the framework agreement for an eventual peace deal that Israel and Lebanon signed last month.

“That includes expanding the pilot zone process, resolving all outstanding border issues, and working on a comprehensive peace and security agreement,” says a statement attributed to a State Department official.

The IDF carried out its first withdrawal from a pilot zone in southern Lebanon last week, though Beirut has since accused Jerusalem of hampering efforts by the Lebanese Armed Forces to operate in that area.

The State Department insists the power transfer is going well, amid concerns that Israel will not agree to perform additional withdrawals as the October Knesset election approaches.

“The experience of the initial zones will help us perfect pilot-zone implementation so it can expand in a phased manner,” the State Department statement says. “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.”