The first round of talks between Israel and Lebanon concluded in Rome on Tuesday, with negotiations set to resume Wednesday, Lebanese media reported.
Two meetings were held, according to Lebanon’s LBCI, citing sources in the Lebanese presidency. The first focused on diplomatic issues, including the demarcation of the land border, with Lebanon presenting its position. The second addressed military matters, including mechanisms to verify an Israeli withdrawal and the possible role of a third-party overseer.
Beirut has placed the renewal of the ceasefire, land-border demarcation and verification of an Israeli pullout at the top of its agenda.
The Israeli delegation also dropped, for the first time, a demand that Hezbollah be disarmed before border talks could proceed, according to reports. Discussions are now focused on restoring the border outlined in a 1923 agreement.
Lebanon has proposed expanding pilot withdrawal zones to include Bint Jbeil and Khiam. The programme could also be extended to Froun, Srifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, which have been designated pilot zones since July 20.
Syria will not participate in the demarcation talks, despite claiming some of the territory disputed by Israel and Lebanon, i24NEWS reported.
