The United States government confirmed on Tuesday that talks between Lebanon and Israel have begun in Rome, running through Thursday, aimed at advancing a framework agreement the two sides reached in late June.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said on social media that the discussions bring together technical teams from both governments to advance full implementation of the trilateral framework. He said this includes the pilot zones process, the verified disarmament of Hezbollah and other Iran-backed security threats, the repositioning of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, and groundwork for a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
Trump's meetings with Aoun and Netanyahu
The Washington-facilitated talks follow bilateral meetings President Donald Trump held with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in late July.
Pigott said the United States remains fully committed to supporting both governments as they carry the process forward in a way that provides lasting security for both countries, removes threats to Israel's security, and restores the authority of the Lebanese state across the south.
Hezbollah leader warns against dialogue
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned Lebanese authorities the same day that dialogue with Israel amounted to a new concession to a country that bombs Lebanon and endangers the sovereignty and unity of the homeland. He accused President Aoun of acting as an ally of the Israeli side.
