Lebanon and Israel are set to convene their next round of United States-mediated negotiations on August 4 in Italy, according to a Lebanese official. This meeting follows initial steps toward implementing an agreement for Israeli withdrawals and Lebanese army deployments in southern Lebanon.
The two nations, which are formally at war, have engaged in over three months of direct talks aimed at achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities. These discussions were initiated following the outbreak of a new conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah on March 2, which was precipitated by a broader regional conflict.
The ambassador-level meetings are considered unusual given the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the countries, which have experienced decades of invasion, military occupation, and cross-border hostilities. A framework agreement was reached late last month through five U.S.-hosted meetings. This deal outlines the disarmament of Hezbollah, the progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, and the subsequent deployment of Lebanese forces.
The talks have since relocated to Italy to facilitate discussions on the technical specifics and guidelines for "pilot zones," designated areas where the phased implementation of the agreement will occur. This week marked the first Israeli withdrawal under the pilot zone program, with Israeli forces vacating the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh. The Lebanese army commenced troop deployment there, though residents were advised to postpone their return until the area was cleared of unexploded ordnance.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh on Wednesday, emphasizing the state's commitment to reopening roads, clearing debris, and restoring public services for residents. While acknowledging the Israeli withdrawal as a significant initial step, Salam reiterated Lebanon's demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory. Israel currently maintains a buffer zone, approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanon along the border, citing security concerns for its northern communities against Hezbollah attacks.
Despite a ceasefire in effect since last month, controlled demolitions have persisted, according to Lebanese security sources. Tens of thousands of Lebanese remain displaced, unable to return to villages occupied by Israeli troops or destroyed. Israeli officials have stated their continued presence in southern Lebanon is contingent on Hezbollah remaining armed, a condition the group has rejected, along with the Lebanese government's direct talks and full disarmament. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has suggested that Israel's withdrawal could address a primary justification cited by Hezbollah for its armed status, potentially paving the way for its disarmament.
