Shared maps and the secret agreement: what's happening in the talks between Israel and Lebanon?

The latest round of talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome concluded with agreements on metrics and operational parameters for pilot areas, the formulation of common definitions for verification and clearing the area, and shared maps. The US made clear its opposition to renewing UNIFIL's mandate, and the parties will work with it on an alternative framework. Political-civilian discussions continue, and the track will reconvene in September.

The latest round of talks between Israel and Lebanon, held in Rome, concluded on Thursday after three days of discussions, according to a senior US State Department official. The parties reached full agreements on the metrics and operational parameters for implementing the first pilot areas, along with formulating common definitions for verification and clearing the area of terrorist infrastructure. Central to the discussions was diplomatic involvement led by Washington, which will include third-party verification of the clearing operations carried out by the Lebanese army. The US held separate bilateral talks with the Lebanese delegation regarding international aid for the country's reconstruction. A significant development: the US made clear its firm opposition to renewing UNIFIL's mandate in southern Lebanon, and in response, the delegations from Jerusalem and Beirut agreed to work with Washington on an alternative framework that would support the new trilateral structure. On the military level, the delegations completed drafting operational parameters, created shared maps, and established a roadmap for opening additional pilot areas. In the next round, Lebanon is expected to present security plans for the new areas. Meanwhile, direct political-civilian talks are taking place between Israel and Lebanon, with the largest delegations ever brought into one room. The official noted that the parties are focusing on creative solutions within political constraints, and that the very act of sitting together is a structural change. Washington is aware of the security volatility and internal pressures, but the military coordination group provided accurate information and prevented escalation. The official stressed that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage the process, but the direction remains positive. The political track will reconvene in Rome in early September.