Israel and Lebanon negotiate Israeli withdrawal in Rome

The sixth round of U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon began on 14 July 2026 at the U.S. embassy in Rome. The meetings aim to put into practice the 26 June framework agreement that calls for an Israeli pull‑out from southern Lebanon, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in two “pilot zones” in the south.

Israel’s foreign minister said withdrawal will proceed only after Hezbollah’s weapons and infrastructure are eliminated, while the Lebanese delegation – instructed by President Joseph Aoun – demanded the immediate start of the pull‑out from both pilot zones. Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani highlighted Rome’s role as a “capital of peace” for hosting the talks. The U.S. Central Command is coordinating with both sides on verification and security arrangements.

Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, calling it a “trap,” and continues to launch attacks, contributing to a death toll of more than 4,000 Lebanese civilians and over one million displaced since the war began in March. The outcome of the talks could reshape security in the Israel‑Lebanon border region and affect broader Middle‑East stability.