Israel and Lebanon advance peace framework as Italy hosts talks in Rome

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome will host talks between Israel and Lebanon, with dates to be set by the three parties and the United States. The meeting is intended to reinforce regional stability and broaden diplomatic dialogue in the Mediterranean.

On 26 June, a US‑backed framework agreement was signed in Washington DC to end the 2026 Israel‑Lebanon conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the deal “the beginning of the beginning.” The pact outlines a phased pull‑back of Lebanese Armed Forces to pilot zones along the Litani River, allowing Lebanon to gradually regain full sovereignty. While the agreement does not mention Hezbollah, it was followed by fresh Israeli raids and street protests in Beirut. UNIFIL’s monitoring and humanitarian role, set to end by the end of 2026, was highlighted as crucial for southern Lebanon’s displaced population.

The combined diplomatic initiatives signal a coordinated effort by Italy, the United States and the parties themselves to move toward a broader, lasting peace settlement.