Lebanon heads to Rome talks seeking further Israeli withdrawal

Lebanon will return to negotiations with Israel in Rome on Tuesday hoping to build on the fragile framework agreed in Washington in June, with officials pushing for Israeli withdrawals from more occupied southern towns while warning that continued military operations risk derailing the entire process.

The second round of Rome talks, and seventh round overall under US mediation, comes as Israeli forces continue demolitions, air strikes and incursions across southern Lebanon, even as the two sides work to implement the US-backed agreement signed on 26 June.

Lebanese officials fear the escalation, particularly around the strategic Ali al-Taher hill, could trigger renewed fighting if Hezbollah intervenes, jeopardising months of negotiations.

A broadened Lebanese delegation led by ambassador Simon Karam is expected to arrive in the Italian capital with military officers, legal, economic and border experts, reflecting the increasingly technical nature of the negotiations.

Officials say the expanded team is intended to ensure Lebanon is prepared to respond across a wide range of issues after Israel repeatedly introduced new obstacles during previous rounds.

At the top of Lebanon's agenda will be securing agreement on a second "pilot zone", potentially centred on the southern towns of Bint Jbeil or Khiam, which officials hope would pave the way for further Israeli withdrawals and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Beirut will also press Israel to halt the daily demolition of homes, land clearing and military operations in occupied villages, which undermine both the agreement and prospects for residents to return.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated on Monday that Lebanon's objective remains successive Israeli withdrawals leading to a full withdrawal from Lebanese territory, while stressing the government's efforts to rebuild areas where the army has already deployed.

The first Rome talks in mid-July produced agreement on three pilot towns, including Zawtar al-Gharbiya, where the Lebanese army began deploying on 21 July.

Lebanese officials, however, say the security situation remains fragile as Israeli forces continue operations in neighbouring villages and maintain their occupation of adjacent areas.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said on Monday there remained "a great deal of technical work" before further progress could be made, warning against rushing implementation without first agreeing on a practical mechanism for future phases.

Earlier, a US State Department official said the Rome talks would focus on expanding the pilot zone process, resolving outstanding border issues and advancing implementation of the June framework agreement.