Accra: The US State Department announced that significant progress has been made in the ongoing negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. These discussions, which took place at a technical and expert level in Rome, have brought the two sides closer to reaching a consensus on advancing and expanding the pilot zones initiative.
According to Ghana News Agency, the negotiations aim to address the military presence and activities in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops are currently positioned to counteract the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Previous agreements between the two countries have stipulated that the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are neutral in this conflict, will take control of these pilot zones and work towards disarming the militia, allowing for a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army.
Recent developments include the establishment of the first pilot zones in the southern Lebanese towns of Frun, Srifa, and Sautar al-Gharbija last month. Representatives from both Lebanon and Israel convened in Rome from Tuesday to Thursday to deliberate on furthering their security arrangement. The meeting was focused on ensuring the complete implementation of the framework agreement, which the United States helped mediate.
These negotiations, which began in mid-April, mark the first direct political discussions between Lebanon and Israel in decades. Despite being technically at war and lacking diplomatic relations, both nations are working towards solidifying the ceasefire with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia, known for its significant influence in Lebanon. The Lebanese government remains a non-combatant in this conflict, and Hezbollah is not participating in the negotiations. The US continues to play a crucial role in mediating these discussions.