US, Lebanon discuss Israeli withdrawal from security zone

The United States and Lebanon on Saturday held direct, US-mediated talks regarding a phased Israeli withdrawal from a "security zone" in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon has told the US side it will skip the next round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome until Israel completes the agreed withdrawal. While a framework agreement to halt hostilities was signed in Washington, Israeli officials state their military will remain in the zone until Hezbollah disarms.