Progress Between Israel and Lebanon - But Several Disputes Remain on the Table

The US reports significant progress in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon after a round of technical talks in Rome. A senior American official said work has been completed on operational standards and joint maps, and initial pilot areas have been activated in southern Lebanon. The diplomatic track is expected to resume in early September, and the US ambassador expressed optimism.

The United States claims there has been significant progress in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, following the latest round of technical talks held in Rome. According to a senior American official, the talks lasted three days and were described as "constructive and detailed." During them, work was completed on operational standards, joint maps, and agreed definitions for verification operations and mine clearance. The goal is to create a mechanism that will allow checking whether the area defined as a pilot zone indeed meets the set conditions, including the activity of the Lebanese army and the dismantling of Hezbollah's infrastructure and weapons under the agreement. The first pilot areas were activated last month in the villages of Frun, Sarifa, and Zoutar al-Gharbiyeh in southern Lebanon, under the military coordination group and within the framework of the tripartite agreement. The diplomatic track is expected to resume in Rome in early September, and meanwhile contacts will continue in Beirut, Jerusalem, and Washington. The senior American official accused Hezbollah of trying to "disrupt the process." In parallel, the US ambassador to Lebanon, Michelle Issa, expressed optimism and said that negotiations take place every two or three weeks and are progressing significantly. He emphasized the personal involvement of President Donald Trump, who told him: "Go, make us peace in Lebanon."