Israel, Lebanon to hold next round of talks in Rome

Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors will hold their sixth round of direct, US-mediated talks in Rome, Italy, on July 15 and 16. The discussions aim to build on a framework agreement reached last month to establish lasting peace and plan a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The negotiations follow a series of ambassador-level discussions previously held in Washington. The framework agreement reached stipulates that the Lebanese Army will restore authority in southern Lebanon, subject to the disarmament of non-state armed groups and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces.