Lebanon, Israel hold talks in Rome on implementing framework deal

Lebanon and Israel have resumed talks in Rome to implement a June framework agreement aimed at ending the war in Lebanon. The discussions, held at the US embassy, focus on Israel's withdrawal from two areas in south Lebanon, with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating his country is “ready to move forward implementing these two pilot zones”. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun instructed his delegation to demand immediate Israeli withdrawal before further discussions. A Lebanese diplomatic source indicated the Lebanese army is prepared to take control of these areas. Italy offered to host the talks to promote a genuine ceasefire, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling Rome a “capital of peace.” The original agreement from Washington D.C. on June 26 called for an end to Israel's war and the disarmament of armed groups, but deadly Israeli attacks have continued, and Hezbollah has rejected disarmament efforts.