Israel, Lebanon resume US-mediated talks in Rome

ISRAEL and Lebanon on Tuesday resumed U.S.-mediated talks in Rome aimed at advancing security arrangements along their border and implementing a framework agreement reached in Washington in late June, according to local media.

The three-day talks, held at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, bring together technical delegations from both sides under a trilateral mechanism backed by the United States.

The discussions focus on security arrangements in southern Lebanon, unresolved border issues and the disarmament of Hezbollah, which Washington considers a key condition for a lasting settlement, said Euronews.

According to The Times of Israel, Israel hopes to establish working groups on border demarcation, Hezbollah's disarmament, reconstruction in southern Lebanon and other issues. The Israeli delegation also includes officials from the Israel Defense Forces.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reiterated the group's opposition to the talks and the framework agreement.

The latest meeting is the seventh round of U.S.-mediated talks and the second to be hosted by Rome in less than a month.