Israel and Lebanon to hold new negotiations in Rome amid ongoing southern conflict

Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold a new round of negotiations in Rome on September 16 and 17. The talks aim to establish a force to verify whether designated pilot areas have been cleared of Hezbollah presence. This follows a framework agreement signed in Washington on June 26, which outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal from controlled areas in Lebanon in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

Despite the diplomatic efforts, military activity remains intense. Israel has continued airstrikes and shelling in southern Lebanese towns, including Mansouri in the Tyre district and areas in Bint Jbeil. Additionally, a seismic event equivalent to a 4.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded in southern Lebanon following the Israeli military's destruction of strategic Hezbollah underground infrastructure in the Ali at-Taher mountain range.

The United States has expressed support for Lebanon's sovereignty, with its embassy in Beirut stating that decisions regarding war and peace must belong solely to the Lebanese state through its official armed forces. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji has characterized these US-sponsored negotiations as the most effective way to end the conflict and compel an Israeli withdrawal to internationally recognized borders.