US demands Israel take action on Lebanon - media
The US is increasing pressure on Israel, urging it to reduce tensions on the Lebanese front and give diplomacy more room. Washington hopes for progress after the seventh round of talks in Rome (August 4-6). The central issue is the implementation of the June 26 framework agreement on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Israel maintains a military presence and operations against Hezbollah, which remains a difficult issue.
The US is increasing pressure on Israel, urging it to lower the level of tension on the Lebanese front and give additional space to diplomatic efforts. Washington expects further progress in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon following consultations held in Rome. According to the Saudi channel Al-Hadath, the American side has been maintaining intensive contacts with Israel in recent days and advocates reducing confrontation on the northern border. At the same time, US representatives assured the Lebanese side that Washington is interested in the successful conclusion of the negotiation process and will continue its mediation efforts. Earlier, the US State Department reported notable progress in the talks. The seventh round of consultations took place in Rome from August 4 to 6 and lasted three days. In the American assessment, the talks at the expert and technical levels proved productive, and the positions of the parties were significantly brought closer. One of the central topics remains the implementation of the framework agreement concluded with American mediation on June 26. The agreements provide for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the transfer of control over the relevant areas to the Lebanese army. In addition, the plan involves the creation of pilot zones, for which the Lebanese military would take responsibility for security. Despite the diplomatic process, Israel still maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon and continues operations against Hezbollah targets. It is Israel's further actions against the terrorist organization that remain one of the most difficult issues in the talks. Israel has repeatedly proceeded from the premise that any agreements must ensure the security of the country's northern regions and prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding military infrastructure near the border. Now Washington is trying to prevent a new round of escalation and preserve the negotiation process. The progress achieved in Rome is seen by the American side as an opportunity to bring Israel and Lebanon closer to implementing the previously agreed plan.