Lebanon and Israel Resume Talks in Rome

The Lebanese and Israeli delegations met in Rome under US mediation. The Beirut administration expects concrete progress that will enable Israel's gradual withdrawal from southern Lebanon. However, due to the deep disagreements between the parties, a quick outcome is not expected. The talks focus on implementing the plan agreed upon in Washington on June 26. The agreement foresees the disarmament of Hezbollah, the deployment of the Lebanese army in the country's south, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. Lebanese officials will discuss the 'pilot region' plan, which involves the withdrawal of Israeli troops 'region by region'. According to this model, in the designated areas, Hezbollah will first disarm, then Israeli soldiers will withdraw, and control will be transferred to the Lebanese army. Two pilot regions have been determined for the first phase of the agreement. Lebanese President Joseph Avn hopes that the Rome talks will produce "concrete and applicable steps" on the ground and pave the way for Israel's withdrawal to begin.