Israeli and Lebanese delegations met in Rome, the capital of Italy, to discuss Israel's gradual withdrawal from the occupied territories in southern Lebanon.
The 6th round of US-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, which will last two days, started in Rome, the capital of Italy. The first day meeting held at the US Embassy in Rome lasted approximately five hours.
"The talks took place in a productive and positive atmosphere"
An unnamed US State Department official said, "The talks held by the representatives of the US, Israel and Lebanon in Rome took place in a productive and positive atmosphere. Both sides are willing to move forward. The talks will continue tomorrow."
A Lebanese government official described the talks in Rome as "constructive". The Lebanese official said, "The negotiation round in Rome was constructive. Our goal tomorrow will be to discuss concrete dates for Israel's withdrawal from at least two pilot areas."
The claim that Trump called on Netanyahu to withdraw from Syria and Lebanon
In the news of the US-based Axios news site, based on unnamed US and Israeli officials, it was claimed that US President Donald Trump called for Israel to start withdrawing its forces from Syria and Lebanon in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Thursday. The report stated that Trump warned that Israel's military presence in Syrian territory created an environment that could increase tensions.
The report stated that Trump said to Netanyahu, "They don't want you there. You must withdraw your troops," and that Trump made a similar request to Netanyahu regarding Lebanon.
Talks focus on Israel's gradual withdrawal
The new round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon focuses on the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon as part of the framework agreement signed in the US capital Washington DC on June 26. In this context, it is envisaged that the Lebanese army will take control of two "pilot regions" from Israel and that Hezbollah will not have any presence in these regions.
During the talks, Lebanon demands a faster withdrawal of the Israeli army from the occupied areas in Lebanon, while Israel demands the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters that the "only way forward" was to implement the framework agreement and stated that Israel would show good will in Rome. Saar had said that they were ready to advance the "two pilot zones" process within the scope of the framework agreement that envisages the disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the redeployment of the Lebanese army.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in his statement published last night, said that he wanted the Lebanese delegation to "request that Israel begin to withdraw immediately from the two pilot areas before any other issue is discussed."
On the other hand, conflicts in the south of Lebanon continue despite the ceasefire. - ROME