ROME, Italy (MNTV) — Lebanon and Israel are set to begin a seventh round of US-mediated negotiations in Rome on Tuesday, with discussions expected to focus on implementing the ceasefire agreement, securing an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and addressing ongoing military activity along the border.
A Lebanese official told Anadolu Agency that the three-day talks will include political and military delegations from both sides, as well as legal and land-surveying experts.
According to the official, the Lebanese delegation will raise concerns over continued Israeli military operations, including land-clearing activities, controlled explosions and the demolition of residential structures in southern Lebanon.
Beirut argues these actions violate the US-sponsored “framework formula” agreed on June 26.
Lebanon is expected to propose additional pilot zones for a phased Israeli withdrawal, with the next stage covering either Bint Jbeil or Khiam, both located south of the Litani River.
Former Ambassador Simon Karam and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States, Nada Mouawad, will represent the political delegation, while Brig. Gen. George Rizkallah will head the military team. Legal adviser Antoine Sfeir and land-surveying expert Najib Massihi will also participate in the negotiations.
The military delegation is expected to present maps outlining the Lebanese army’s deployment in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, the first pilot area agreed during the previous round of talks, along with plans for troop deployments in areas from which Israeli forces could withdraw.
The negotiations come as tensions persist in southern Lebanon, where Lebanese officials say Israeli forces continue military operations, including demolitions and explosive activities targeting homes and infrastructure in several border communities.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236 others.
Israel has continued military operations despite the June 26 US-sponsored agreement, which provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.