Lebanon and Israel Begin Direct Talks on Framework Agreement for Ceasefire and Withdrawal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon's file is on US President Donald Trump's table as direct talks with Israel opened in Rome.

• The framework agreement, reached after a US-Iran understanding on June 17, provides for a ceasefire, Hezbollah disarmament, Lebanese army deployment, and gradual Israeli withdrawal starting from two pilot zones.
• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Washington is now listening to Lebanon and that the country's file is on US President Donald Trump's table.
• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Israel is prepared to proceed with withdrawal from the two pilot zones.
• The Lebanese delegation was instructed to demand immediate Israeli withdrawal from the two pilot zones before discussing any other issues.

Latest developments

• Jul 15 — Israeli and Lebanese negotiations in Rome have concluded, with a senior Israeli official describing the talks as 'good' and stating that further preparations are needed before implementing the pilot-zone phases, expecting completion in the coming days.