Lebanon, Israel conclude 1st day of direct talks in Rome

The first day of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Rome concluded Tuesday following a seven-hour meeting at the US Embassy, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

The Italian capital is hosting a sixth round of direct negotiations Tuesday and Wednesday, following five rounds in Washington that resulted in the signing of a framework agreement.

A high-level Lebanese official, who requested anonymity, told Anadolu that the first day of talks was “positive and constructive, but the matter requires further discussion."

Israel "requested clarifications regarding the mechanism of Lebanese army deployment and the verification of its complete control after the Israeli withdrawal,” said the official.

"These clarifications will be addressed during Wednesday’s session, which will begin at 10:00 am Beirut time (0800GMT),” he added.

A senior Lebanese official told Anadolu on condition of anonymity that the talks focused on securing a ceasefire in Lebanon and implementing the framework agreement signed June 26.

The framework deal provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory beginning with two “pilot areas.”

Separately, a US State Department spokesperson also confirmed to Anadolu that the talks in Rome were “productive and held in a positive atmosphere.”

Saying that "both sides are eager to move forward," the official noted that talks would continue Wednesday.

The agreement does not set a timetable for the withdrawal and links it to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in areas vacated by Israeli forces and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, with specific reference to Hezbollah.

The Rome talks come as Israel continues attacks in Lebanon, which have killed at least 4,324 victims, injured 12,221 and displaced more than 1 million since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures.

Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-24 war.