Beirut, Lebanon – A US State Department official confirmed that the Lebanese-Israeli talks hosted by Rome concluded after two days of positive and productive discussions.
He also indicated that the parties will move to expanded technical talks
aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement between the two sides.
Moving on to technical discussions
The US official said the next phase will involve launching extensive
technical talks focusing on all aspects of the tripartite framework.
This comes as part of US efforts to finalize security understandings
and reach a comprehensive agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
He explained that these talks will address the technical details and mechanisms
for implementing the points agreed upon during previous rounds of negotiations.
Agreement on the pilot zones mechanism
The US official indicated that the two sides reached an agreement on the structure and guidelines for implementing the “pilot zones,”
with the final version to be completed in the coming days. This paves the way for their implementation on the ground.
These zones are seen as the first phase of a security plan. This plan aims to test the mechanisms
for implementing the agreed-upon arrangements before expanding them to other areas.
Talks described as positive
A US State Department official confirmed that the latest round of negotiations,
which lasted two days, was characterized by a positive and productive atmosphere.
Furthermore, it contributed to progress on a number of issues on the agenda.
These developments come within the framework of ongoing US mediation between Lebanon and Israel,
amid efforts to solidify security arrangements in southern Lebanon.
The parties are also seeking to reduce tensions along the border between the two sides.
