WASHINGTON: The next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome has been postponed until October, a US official said, delaying discussions aimed at supporting a framework agreement between the two sides.
The United States had previously announced that the negotiations in the Italian capital would take place in early September. However, officials said the meeting could not proceed as planned due to challenges.
A US official said the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors will instead meet at the State Department in Washington next week to discuss regional developments and the continued implementation of a framework deal agreed in June, AFP reported.
The agreement, known as the Trilateral Framework, includes measures related to Hezbollah’s disarmament, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army in designated areas.
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The US official described the framework as the main mechanism to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and address Israel’s security concerns.
Negotiations face new delays
The postponement comes amid renewed tensions in the region. Recent weeks have seen increased military activity following a period of reduced violence after understandings between regional parties in June.
The delay announcement came a day after Israel said it had destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon. The resulting explosion was recorded by the US Geological Survey as having an impact equivalent to a 4.1-magnitude earthquake.
Officials said discussions between the two sides are expected to continue despite the postponement, with Washington maintaining engagement with both Lebanon and Israel.
