The next round of diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome has been postponed until October, according to a US State Department official.
The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States are nevertheless expected to meet in Washington next week to discuss recent developments and the implementation of the agreement between the two sides.
Next round moved to October
The US official said the next formal round of negotiations will take place in Rome in October, rather than in September as initially planned.
Israel and Lebanon, which technically remain in a state of war, signed a framework agreement in late June. Among other provisions, it calls for the deployment of the Lebanese army in “pilot zones” from which Israeli forces would withdraw, provided Hezbollah is disarmed.
According to Washington, the agreement remains “the only viable mechanism” for restoring Lebanese sovereignty and ensuring Israel’s security.
Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected the agreement and says it will not lay down its weapons.
Israeli strikes continue despite ceasefire
Despite a ceasefire that has theoretically been in effect since June, the Israeli military continues to carry out periodic air strikes and ground operations in Lebanon.
On Thursday, it carried out large-scale strikes against Hezbollah, destroying, among other targets, an underground complex allegedly used by the group.
The explosion was so powerful that the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 4.1 seismic event.
Two rounds already held in Rome
Israel and Lebanon held two rounds of talks in Rome during the summer under US auspices.
According to a source cited by Agence France-Presse, the postponement of the third round is primarily linked to scheduling issues and the UN General Assembly in late September.
Source: CNA
