The U.S.-brokered talks are expected to focus on a security agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border
Israel and Lebanon are expected to return to the negotiating table in October as the United States pushes for a security agreement between the two countries.
Representatives are scheduled to meet in Rome, according to a U.S. State Department official cited by Reuters. The meeting would continue a series of U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Talks continue after previous rounds failed to resolve key issues
The two sides have already held several rounds of negotiations. A seventh round took place in Rome in August but ended without resolving some of the main territorial and security disputes.
The situation along the border has become increasingly difficult since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah resumed in March amid the broader regional conflict.
Israel currently maintains a buffer zone extending into Lebanese territory, saying the measure is necessary to protect Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks. Lebanon has pushed for the restoration of its sovereignty over the affected territory.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli strikes in the country since March have killed more than 4,300 people.
Washington is pushing for another round
A U.S. State Department official described a negotiated security agreement as the viable path toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty while addressing Israel’s security concerns.
Before the meeting in Rome, Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are also expected to meet in Washington.
The October negotiations come as the wider Middle East conflict continues to put pressure on governments across the region and disrupt major energy and shipping routes. No final security agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been announced.
Source: Reuters, U.S. State Department
