Lebanon, Israel hold US-brokered talks in Rome to implement framework deal
Lebanon and Israel are holding U.S.-brokered talks in Rome to negotiate a framework for ending the ongoing conflict and securing an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Despite positive signals from U.S. officials, significant obstacles remain, including Hezbollah's rejection of the proposed terms.
Why it matters
The conflict in Lebanon is a critical component of regional instability in the Middle East, and these talks represent a potential path toward de-escalation.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a press conference with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (not pictured), at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, February 16, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir — Mohamed Azakir By Maya Gebeily and Alvise Armellini
BEIRUT/ROME, July 14 (Reuters) - Lebanon and Israel resumed talks on Tuesday in the Italian capital, with Beirut hoping for progress towards securing an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon under a U.S.-brokered agreement, although expectations for swift progress were low.
A U.S. State Department official said in a brief statement that the Rome talks were positive and would continue on Wednesday, adding that both sides were eager to move forward.
U.S.-led diplomacy started after Hezbollah and Israel returned to war on March 2 amid the wider regional conflict, moving forward despite strong objections from the Iran-backed group, which believes only Iranian pressure on Washington can secure an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal.
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