Lebanon and Israel are set to begin a seventh round of direct negotiations in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday, under US sponsorship, according to a Lebanese official who spoke to Anadolu on Monday. The talks are expected to last three days.
The seventh round will bring together political and military delegations from both sides, along with a legal adviser and a land-surveying expert.
Focus on ceasefire violations
The talks will prioritize the ceasefire and continued Israeli attacks, particularly land-clearing operations, explosions, and the demolition of homes in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese side says these actions violate the 'framework formula' agreed upon in June.
Israeli land-clearing, explosions and home demolitions violate the 'framework formula' agreed upon in June.
Killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry, despite the signing of a US-sponsored 'framework formula' agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26.
Proposals for Israeli withdrawal
Lebanon will propose designating new pilot areas for an Israeli withdrawal. The second phase of the withdrawal would cover either Bint Jbeil or Khiam, both south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese political delegation comprises former Ambassador Simon Karam and Lebanon's Ambassador to Washington Nada Mouawad. Brigadier General George Rizkallah will lead the Lebanese military delegation, with legal adviser Antoine Sfeir and land-surveying expert Najib Massihi participating.
The Lebanese military delegation will bring maps and documents detailing the Lebanese army's deployment in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, the first pilot area agreed upon during the sixth round, and will also present plans for deployments in areas from which Israeli forces may agree to withdraw.
The talks take place amid continued tensions along Lebanon's southern border. A Lebanese official said that Israeli forces are conducting land-clearing, demolition, and explosive operations targeting homes and structures in several southern towns in Lebanon.
