Lebanese and Israeli delegations will meet in the seventh round of direct, US-mediated talks starting tomorrow in Rome, Italy. An official Lebanese source said that a ceasefire and a halt to Israeli attacks will top the agenda of the three-day talks.
The source added that Israel's destruction, explosions, and blowing up of homes in southern Lebanon will also be addressed. These actions will be placed on the agenda on the grounds that they violate the 'framework formula' adopted in June.
Lebanon's New Withdrawal Zone Proposal
The Lebanese side will propose designating new pilot zones for Israel's withdrawal. The second phase is planned to cover the area of Bint Jbeil or Hiyam, south of the Litani River.
Composition of the Delegations
The Lebanese delegation consists of political, military, and legal officials. The political team includes former ambassador Simon Karam and Lebanon's Ambassador to Washington Nada Muawad, while the military team is headed by Brigadier General George Rizkallah. The delegation also includes legal advisor Antoine Safir and mapping expert Najib Mesihi.
The military team is bringing maps and documents that record the deployment in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, the first pilot zone agreed upon during the sixth round. It will also present plans for deployment in areas where Israeli forces' withdrawal is to be agreed.
Tension in the Region and Terms of the Agreement
While tension continues along the southern Lebanon border, Israel is reportedly continuing its destruction operations. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 4,333 people have been killed and 12,236 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2. The framework agreement signed under US mediation on June 26 calls for Israel's gradual withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory, the deployment of the Lebanese army in the area, and the disarmament of armed groups, with reference to Hezbollah.
