Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors will hold direct talks in Rome, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Tuesday. Tajani stated on X: “We welcome with pleasure the announcement that the next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon mediated by the US will take place in Rome.” According to Al Jazeera, the talks are scheduled for July 15 and 16. A ministry spokesman confirmed the talks would occur at the ambassador level, following several rounds of discussions aimed at de-escalation held in Washington.
Sixth Round of Negotiations
This round of talks will be the sixth in the last few months between the two neighbors, who do not have diplomatic relations and are technically in a state of war. The two countries and the US signed a framework agreement last month aimed at “lasting peace,” five days after a fragile ceasefire was signed between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.
Background of the Talks
Italy has offered to host the talks, with Tajani noting he had previously communicated Rome's availability to the Lebanese and Israeli governments in April. The talks are part of ongoing US-mediated efforts to de-escalate tensions and work toward a lasting peace agreement.
