Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome delayed to October: US official
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon regarding the ongoing conflict have been delayed until October due to scheduling conflicts and international diplomatic events. Meanwhile, the US continues to push for the implementation of a framework deal involving Hezbollah's disarmament.
Why it matters
The delay in diplomatic talks underscores the volatility of the Israel-Lebanon border and the difficulty of achieving a lasting ceasefire in the region.
WASHINGTON: The next round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Rome have been delayed until October, a US official said Friday.
Last month, the United States had said the next round of talks in the Italian capital would take place in early September.
While the Rome talks will not go ahead as planned, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors will meet at the State Department in Washington next week “to discuss ongoing developments and the continued implementation” of a framework deal agreed in June, the official said, on customary condition of anonymity.
The so-called Trilateral Framework involves the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon’s south and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region, starting in test areas known as “pilot zones.”
The US official Friday said the deal “remains the only viable mechanism to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and Israel’s security.”
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Israel Says It Destroyed Key Hezbollah Tunnels In South Lebanon
IDF Destroys Underground Hezbollah Complex at Lebanon's Ali al
Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah base in Lebanon’s Ali al-Taher ridge
Israel says it has destroyed major underground Hezbollah base - BBC
Tremor recorded as Israel says Hezbollah tunnels destroyed in south Lebanon
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in