Lebanon‑Israel withdrawal agreement prompts talks in Rome as US delegation prepares implementation

President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon affirmed his commitment to the U.S.-brokered framework signed on 26 June, which calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. He rejected domestic opposition and urged U.S. pressure on Israel to accelerate the pull‑out.

A U.S. military delegation arrived in Beirut on 11 July to finalize the mechanism for the first “pilot” zone withdrawal, coordinating with CENTCOM, the Lebanese armed forces and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Israel maintains forces in pilot zones, citing security concerns and continuing air strikes in the south despite a cease‑fire.

Technical talks are scheduled in Rome on 15‑16 July, hosted by Italy, with representatives from Lebanon, Israel and the United States. Lebanon has said it will only join further negotiations after Israel withdraws from two pilot zones. Hezbollah opposes the agreement and rejects disarmament.

President Aoun plans a visit to Washington on 21 July after the Rome meetings. Italy’s foreign minister framed Rome’s role as facilitating dialogue, while the region watches for any shift in the Israel‑Lebanon security dynamic.