Talks between Israel and Lebanon are entering the practical phase: according to a Reuters report, a U.S. official announced that discussions in Rome have moved to the implementation stage of the framework agreement. The first pilot zone is expected to launch in the coming days, and the U.S. is already coordinating further progress with both sides.
1+A U.S. official said Thursday evening that talks between Israel and Lebanon, taking place in Rome under American auspices, have moved to the implementation phase of the framework signed between the parties. According to the Reuters report, the discussions are being held behind closed doors and are designed to allow professional teams from both countries to advance the practical implementation of the understandings.
According to the official, the first pilot zone is expected to launch within days, while additional pilot zones are in the mapping and planning stages. The official also said that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is coordinating the next steps with Israel and Lebanon.
1+The official added that Washington will soon reach out to international partners to help the Lebanese government effectively restore its sovereignty in areas where the framework is implemented, and eventually across the entire country. The American framework is designed to advance the deployment of the Lebanese army on the ground, alongside the removal of Hezbollah and gradual progress toward a broader security arrangement between the countries.