The seventh round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Rome concluded after three days of sessions. The implementation of the framework agreement, detainees and the border file were on the agenda.
A Lebanese official announced that the final-day sessions had ended. The sides failed to reach a joint decision on expanding the pilot zones that require the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Disagreement over security conditions in pilot zones
The Lebanese delegation called for increasing the number of pilot zones. The Israeli delegation demanded confirmation that the security conditions in the two existing pilot zones had been met before moving to the next stage.
Following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the town of West Zawtar, the Lebanese army deployed there on July 21. The deployment took place as part of the pilot-zone arrangement.
Preliminary lists exchanged in detainee file
Preliminary lists concerning detainees were exchanged between the sides during the talks. The Lebanese side reiterated its demand that the first group be released as soon as possible.
The sides also discussed determining which party would monitor security in the pilot zones. They negotiated the possibility of reaching a new security agreement to regulate the situation along the border.
Background to the Rome process
In preparation for the US-mediated talks, the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to Washington met on April 14 and 23. The first meeting at the US State Department was recorded as the highest-level direct meeting between the two countries since 1993.
In remarks on April 24, US President Donald Trump said he expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House in the near future.
Following the fifth round in Washington, Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement on June 26. The sixth round of direct talks was also held in Rome on July 14-15.
Different views on talks in Lebanon
Direct negotiations with Israel are among the most contentious issues in Lebanon’s domestic politics and public debate. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam regard the talks as necessary and the only option for stopping the bloodshed and finding a lasting solution.
Hezbollah and circles close to it oppose direct contacts and describe the process as capitulation.
