U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon will resume in Italy on August 4, according to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The announcement came as parliament was informed that Rome will host the seventh round of direct dialogue between the two countries, following recent meetings in the Italian capital.
The talks follow a framework agreement reached in June during negotiations in Washington, which produced a 14-point accord addressing disarmament and security concerns. Israel's Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, who leads the Israeli delegation, confirmed the August 4 date at the conclusion of the previous round.
The Israeli military has begun withdrawing from designated pilot zones in Southern Lebanon, a step intended to enable Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of those areas. Israel has stated that a complete withdrawal will occur only once the threat it identifies has been removed.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Trump pledged support for Lebanon's stabilization efforts and expressed hope the country would eventually join regional diplomatic initiatives.