Technical teams from Israel and Lebanon convened in Rome on Tuesday for the second round of U.S.-facilitated talks aimed at advancing a comprehensive peace and security agreement. The negotiations, scheduled to continue through Thursday, are focusing on the full implementation of the Trilateral Framework.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, key areas of discussion include the establishment of pilot zones, the verified disarmament of Hezbollah and other Iran-backed security threats, the redeployment of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon, and laying the groundwork for lasting security for both nations.
"These discussions bring together technical teams from both governments to advance full implementation of the Trilateral Framework, including the pilot zone process, verified disarmament of Hezbollah and other Iran-backed security threats, redeployment of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon, and laying the ground for a comprehensive peace and security agreement," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated. The U.S. has affirmed its commitment to supporting both governments in this process.
An Israeli diplomatic source indicated that the delegation is concentrating on working groups that address military coordination, land and maritime borders, and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
These talks follow separate meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. also recently launched the first pilot zones in Southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, however, denounced the resumption of talks, characterizing negotiations with Israel as leading to "shame, humiliation, disappointment and one concession after another." He accused the U.S. and Israel of an "aggression against Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, Iraq and Yemen" aimed at dismantling the resistance in the region. Qassem asserted that Israel's only option is a complete withdrawal.
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa expressed cautious optimism ahead of the Rome discussions, while acknowledging the significant technical work still required to ensure civilian safety. He emphasized the need for a clear and workable implementation process, warning that proceeding too quickly could jeopardize the civilians the process aims to protect. "There is a meaningful difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly," Issa commented.