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[INTERNATIONAL] · Lebanon, Israel, United States, Italy · 57 sources

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Lebanon and Israel negotiate pilot‑zone withdrawal in Rome

U.S.‑mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel began their sixth round at the U.S. embassy in Rome, aiming to implement the June 26 framework agreement. The deal calls for Israel to withdraw from two designated “pilot zones” in south Lebanon, with the Lebanese army taking control of the areas once Hezbollah forces are absent. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was “ready to move forward” on the pilot zones, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged an “immediate start” to the withdrawal.

Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, insisting on its disarmament before any Israeli pull‑out. The conflict, which began on 2 March, has killed over 4,000 Lebanese and displaced more than a million people. Israel continues to maintain a ten‑kilometre “buffer zone” along the border, claiming it protects northern Israeli communities.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the talks, calling Rome a “capital of peace”. A U.S. military delegation is coordinating with both sides to oversee the pilot‑zone implementation. Expectations for swift progress remain low, with analysts noting limited chances of a breakthrough.

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