Lebanon and Israel end sixth round of US-brokered talks

Lebanese and Israeli officials concluded their sixth round of US-mediated talks in Rome on Wednesday, focusing on establishing “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon for Israeli withdrawal. A US official described the two-day meetings as “productive and positive,” stating, “We agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zone process, to be finalised and implemented in the coming days.” These pilot zones are part of a June 26 US-brokered framework deal where Israel would withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah. The Lebanese army would then take control of these areas, clearing any Hezbollah presence. While neither Israel nor Lebanon commented, a US official indicated talks would move to a technical phase to implement the framework. Sami Halabi of Badil: The Alternative Policy Institute, noted, “We’re at the point where Lebanon is moving from performing its sovereignty to piloting its sovereignty through these pilot zones,” highlighting that the initiative will test Israel’s willingness to withdraw and the Lebanese army’s ability to reestablish its presence.