Lebanon and Israel meet in Rome to discuss framework deal implementation

Beirut announced its optimism that diplomatic initiatives could soon produce tangible steps toward securing an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a long‑standing demand of the Lebanese government. The statement, issued by the Lebanese foreign ministry, came after a series of high‑level contacts between Beirut, Washington and the United Nations, where officials reiterated the need for Israel to honor the 2000 withdrawal agreement and to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty along the disputed border.

Lebanese officials said the talks are being coordinated through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and are aimed at preventing further incursions while laying the groundwork for a phased pull‑out of Israeli forces. They emphasized that any progress would contribute to regional stability and reduce the risk of renewed hostilities. The Lebanese government concluded by urging all parties to maintain momentum in the negotiations and to translate diplomatic assurances into concrete actions on the ground.