The upcoming round of discussions between Israel and Lebanon is set to occur in Rome, Italy, as announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. This meeting will mark the sixth set of negotiations between the two nations, following five ambassador-level talks that took place in Washington since April. The exact date for the talks was not specified by Sa’ar, but Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, mentioned that they are expected to commence next Tuesday in Rome.
Sa’ar emphasized Israel’s pursuit of peace with its neighboring countries, highlighting that any agreement must prioritize “security.” The previous round of talks, held in late June, concluded with a framework agreement concerning the withdrawal of Israeli forces from two areas in southern Lebanon, where operations against Hezbollah are ongoing. Additionally, Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonion Tajani, expressed his approval of Rome being chosen as the next venue for US-mediated direct peace negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, referring to the Italian capital as “a crossroads of peace and dialogue.”
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the decision to hold the talks in Rome, emphasizing the city’s significance as a hub for peace and dialogue. Italy had previously conveyed its readiness to support peace dialogue in the region and offer itself as a negotiation site to both the Lebanese and Israeli Governments. Tajani attributed this choice to Italy’s strong diplomatic commitment and its respected role on the global political stage.
