US Media: New Lebanese-Israeli Negotiations in Rome from August 4 to 6

Lebanon and Israel are set to hold a new round of negotiations next week in the Italian capital, Rome, to continue working on the implementation of the agreement mediated by the United States, according to US media.

This was reported on Tuesday by Axios journalist Barak Ravid via his account on the US platform X, citing a US State Department official who wished to remain anonymous. The official stated that the negotiations, led by the United States, would take place in Rome from August 4 to 6.

Rome hosted a round of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv on July 14 and 15, following five previous rounds held in the US capital. The official added that the technical negotiations "will focus on moving forward with the full implementation of the Framework Agreement" signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv in Washington on June 26.

He clarified that this includes "expanding the scope of the pilot areas, resolving all outstanding border issues, and working toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement." The US official described this agreement as "the only path to achieving lasting peace."

He continued, "The pilot area experience will help us improve the implementation mechanism for the pilot areas, allowing for their gradual expansion." He added that "the first pilot area represents a tangible opportunity to achieve real progress on the ground, restore the authority of the Lebanese state by disarming terrorist organizations, and build the necessary trust to take the next steps," according to his statement.

The Lebanese government is implementing a plan to monopolize weapons, including those of Hezbollah, under state control. However, Hezbollah insists on retaining its arms, emphasizing that it is a "resistance movement" against Israeli occupation.

On July 21, the Lebanese Army announced its deployment in the town of Zaiter (in the south) as part of the first phase of the pilot areas covered by the "Framework Formula" agreement signed in Washington on June 26. The agreement stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, beginning with the application of a model in pilot areas, where the Lebanese Army would assume security responsibility and disarm armed groups, referring to Hezbollah.

The US announcement regarding the upcoming Rome negotiations follows a meeting in Washington on July 21 between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

As of 08:00 UTC, no official statement had been issued by Lebanese or Israeli authorities on the matter.

In violation of the "Framework Formula" agreement, Israel continues its aggression against Lebanon, which began on March 2, 2026. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, this aggression has resulted in 4,332 deaths and 12,236 injuries, in addition to displacing more than one million people.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous war between 2023 and 2024. During the current aggression, it has advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. Israel also occupies Palestine and territories in Syria, refusing to withdraw and to establish an independent Palestinian state as mandated by relevant UN resolutions.