Israel-Lebanon Talks Hit Another Deadlock
The seventh round of Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Rome, mediated by the US, ended without a breakthrough. The sides achieved only limited progress on technical issues. Key disagreements concern the border and troop withdrawal: Beirut demands a new zone in the south, while Jerusalem insists on completing a security verification. Lists of missing and detained persons were also discussed. The dialogue took place amid hostilities that killed two Israeli soldiers. No joint communiqué was issued; the next round is tentatively set for September 1.
The seventh round of diplomatic consultations between Israel and Lebanon, held in Rome with American mediation, ended without breakthrough agreements. The sides managed only limited progress on technical issues, while key disagreements continue to block a final settlement. This was reported by Maariv. The main sticking points: Beirut demanded the creation of a new zone in the south of the country, where Israeli forces would yield to the Lebanese army. Jerusalem rejected this demand, insisting that the security verification on two previously agreed sectors must first be fully completed. In the legal discussion, Lebanon submitted a list of its citizens for priority release, while Israel presented a list of Lebanese Jews missing or killed on the territory of the neighboring state. The International Committee of the Red Cross is expected to join further data verification. Despite the difficulties, the sides managed to shorten the list of organizations and countries claiming participation in the future security control mechanism. Participants also touched on the possibility of preparing a new UN Security Council resolution that would define the border regime after the current mandate of UNIFIL peacekeepers expires. The dialogue took place against the backdrop of hostilities in southern Lebanon. During a special operation, two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion. In response, the IDF struck targets in the Tibnin area, causing casualties on the Lebanese side. No joint communiqué was issued following the meeting. American mediators will continue working in contact with both sides, and the next round of talks is tentatively scheduled for September 1.