Lebanon and Israel set for direct Rome talks

Lebanon and Israel are set to begin a new round of US-sponsored direct talks in Rome on Tuesday, as Beirut seeks a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The negotiations are set to continue until Thursday. They are the seventh round of US-sponsored talks since Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in March with rocket fire at Israel in support of Iran. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion that Lebanon says have killed more than 4,300 people.

At negotiations in Washington in June, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a framework deal involving the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region, starting in test areas known as pilot zones.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Tuesday that the direct negotiations would bring “nothing but shame, humiliation, and successive compromises” for Lebanon. In a televised address, he also criticised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, saying he had become biased and divisive.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged Lebanon and Israel on Monday to continue in a constructive spirit and identify shared solutions to fully implement the framework agreement, his ministry said.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told a cabinet meeting Monday that Lebanon was pursuing successive Israeli withdrawals leading to a full withdrawal. A US State Department official said this week's discussions would include expanding the pilot zone process, resolving outstanding border issues and working on a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

After talks last month, Israel's military withdrew from the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiya, one of the first pilot zones. The Lebanese army deployed to the area and has allowed residents to inspect their homes and businesses.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa warned Monday that moving too quickly could jeopardise civilians and said both sides needed a clear, workable process before proceeding.

Lebanon continues to report intermittent Israeli strikes and shelling, as well as detonations and demolitions in southern villages. Hezbollah opposes the Israel deal and refuses to surrender its weapons.