A new round of talks between Lebanon and Israel will be held in Rome on September 15-16.
Jnews.az reports that the talks will take place within the framework of a dialogue mediated by the US. During the meeting, the parties are expected to discuss the implementation of the framework agreement reached in June and security issues between the two countries.
No significant progress has been made in direct talks between the parties so far. The main disagreements pertain to the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
Under the framework agreement reached in June, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon is linked to the disarmament of Hezbollah and the transfer of control over those areas to the Lebanese army. However, Hezbollah opposes surrendering its weapons north of the Litani River, while Israel demands the complete disarmament of the group across the country’s territory.
Against the backdrop of the talks, some confidence-building measures have also been implemented between the parties. In early September, Israel released five civilians detained in Lebanon. Under an agreement brokered by the US, Lebanon agreed to search for the remains of Lebanese Jews who went missing during the civil war.
Nevertheless, the situation in southern Lebanon remains tense. Skirmishes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah continue, and both sides exchange mutual accusations over security issues.
During the new round of talks in Rome, the parties are expected to discuss their differences regarding the implementation of the framework agreement reached in June.
