Israel, Lebanon to Resume US-Backed Talks in Rome
JERUSALEM-Israel and Lebanon will hold the next round of US-backed negotiations in Rome next week, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday, as both sides seek to advance a framework agreement reached last month aimed at reducing tensions between the neighboring countries.
Speaking at a joint news conference in Jerusalem with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Saar said Israel, Lebanon and the United States had reached what he described as a historic framework agreement less than two weeks earlier and that follow-up discussions would continue in the Italian capital.
Saar said the upcoming talks would build on the understandings reached under the framework negotiated with US support. He added that Israel had no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.
The negotiations are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Israel, Lebanon and the United States to implement and expand the framework agreed upon last month.
The meeting in Rome is expected to provide another opportunity for the parties to continue discussions under the US-backed process, although no further details about the agenda or the expected participants were immediately disclosed.
The announcement came during Saar’s meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Jerusalem, where the two ministers addressed regional developments and diplomatic initiatives.
Israel and Lebanon remain technically in a state of war and have no formal diplomatic relations. The latest negotiations represent part of broader international efforts to reduce tensions and maintain stability along their shared border following months of regional insecurity.
