Rome negotiations will test whether diplomacy can deliver security and weaken Hezbollah’s grip
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Israel and Lebanon will resume U.S.-brokered talks in Rome on Tuesday, with negotiators seeking to turn a fragile diplomatic framework into meaningful security gains along Israel’s northern border.
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa voiced cautious optimism but warned that substantial technical work remains. A poorly managed process, he said, could endanger the civilians it is intended to protect.
The Aug. 4–6 talks will focus on expanding pilot zones in southern Lebanon, settling border disputes and advancing a broader peace and security agreement. Under the framework reached June 26, the Lebanese Armed Forces would assume control of territory cleared of Hezbollah weapons and personnel. Israel has tied a full withdrawal to the removal of the terrorist threat.
The negotiations follow months of fighting triggered when the Iranian-backed Hezbollah renewed rocket and drone attacks against Israel on March 2. The road ahead will require more than promises: lasting peace depends upon verifiable disarmament and the restoration of legitimate Lebanese authority in the south.
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