First day of new Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome

Lebanon and Israel concluded the first day of Washington-mediated talks in Rome on Tuesday. The discussions focused on implementing a June 26 framework agreement, specifically the mechanics of phased Israeli withdrawals from designated "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Israel said that it was ready to move forward with plans to withdraw from two parts of southern Lebanon. But Hezbollah rejected the agreement outright despite Lebanese government pressure, lowering expectations of success in the negotiations.