The 6th round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon has begun in Rome, the capital of Italy.

The United States, which had previously brought the two countries without diplomatic relations together 5 times in the capital Washington, hosted the 6th round of negotiations between the parties in Rome.

Israeli and Lebanese delegations held talks at the US Embassy in Rome, where they arrived in the morning.

Journalists from both countries and international press organizations monitored arrivals and departures in front of the embassy, where negotiations were held throughout the day, despite the hot weather.

According to information obtained by an Anadolu Agency reporter, the delegations of the two countries, having completed their first day of talks, left the embassy around 5:00 PM local time. The delegations are expected to reconvene at the US Embassy in Rome tomorrow morning.

Reports in the Italian press stated that the Israeli and Lebanese delegations discussed details regarding the framework agreement, signed on June 26 after the 5th round of direct negotiations in Washington, which envisages the disarmament of Hezbollah and Israel's gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.

Italy pleased with negotiations taking place in Rome

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also stated at an event at the ministry, "I met with the Lebanese and Israeli negotiators; they accepted Rome for peace talks, and we hope that Lebanon will finally achieve peace. The decision to bring the negotiations to Italy is proof that our country plays an important role in building peace."

- Talks begin between Israel and Lebanon

The ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon in Washington had met on April 14 and 23 as part of preparations for negotiations mediated by the US.

The first meeting held at the US Department of State was recorded as "the highest-level direct talks since 1993."

US President Donald Trump stated on April 24 that he was looking forward to hosting Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Avn at the White House in the near future.

Meanwhile, the topic of direct negotiations with Israel is among the most controversial issues in Lebanese domestic politics and public opinion.

While President Avn and Prime Minister Nevvaf Selam view the negotiations as essential and the only option for "stopping the bloodshed and achieving a lasting solution," Hezbollah and its close circles oppose the process, characterizing direct contacts as "surrender."

Following the 5th round of negotiations in Washington, a "framework agreement" was signed between Lebanon and Israel on June 26.