BEIRUT, July 22 (Reuters) – Lebanon and Israel will hold their next round of U.S.-mediated negotiations on August 4 in Italy, a Lebanese official confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday, as both nations work to implement a plan involving Israeli troop withdrawals and Lebanese military deployments in southern Lebanon.
The neighboring countries, historically in conflict, have engaged in over three months of direct negotiations, aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire following renewed hostilities that erupted on March 2 between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon’s Iran-backed militant group, amid the broader regional crisis.
The ambassador-level discussions mark a rare diplomatic development for two states that remain technically at war and lack formal diplomatic ties, shaped by decades of invasions, military occupations, and cross-border clashes.
Five rounds of U.S.-hosted talks culminated in a framework agreement last month, outlining the disarmament of Hezbollah, phased Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and Lebanese army deployment. Subsequent talks have shifted to Rome to address technical aspects of designated pilot zones—geographic areas where the phased process will initially take effect.
Lebanon has emphasized its demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories as Israeli forces recently vacated Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, allowing Lebanese troops to move in. However, residents were advised to defer returning until the area is cleared of unexploded ordnance.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the town on Wednesday, raising the national flag and pledging efforts to rebuild infrastructure, clear debris, and restore services to facilitate residents’ return. While acknowledging Israel’s withdrawal as a significant step, Salam reiterated Lebanon’s insistence on full withdrawal.
Israel maintains control of a buffer zone approximately 10 km (6 miles) inside Lebanon along the border, where it has evacuated local populations and demolished villages. Israeli officials justify the presence as a protective measure for northern communities against Hezbollah attacks, despite the ceasefire agreement in place.
Lebanese security sources report ongoing controlled demolitions despite the truce. Tens of thousands remain displaced, unable to return to areas occupied by Israeli forces or destroyed during the conflict.
Israeli officials have stated that their military presence in southern Lebanon will persist as long as Hezbollah retains arms. The group, which opposes the Lebanese government’s negotiations with Israel, has refused to comply with demands for full disarmament.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during his first official visit to Washington, suggested that Israel’s withdrawal could eliminate the core justification Hezbollah has cited for its armed resistance. He emphasized that such a move might pave the way for the group’s eventual disarmament.
