Vatican raises concerns over Israel-Lebanon deal

The Vatican expressed “serious concerns” Thursday about problems implementing a US-brokered deal between Israel and Lebanon after Pope Leo XIV met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The Holy See said it welcomed the signing of the document but was concerned about difficulties in carrying it out. It also said it had pledged support for efforts toward implementation.

Aoun urged the pope during a private 30-minute audience at the Vatican to support Beirut's push to secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from south Lebanon, the Lebanese presidency said.

The June framework agreement calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and deployment of the Lebanese army to the region, starting in “pilot zones”.

Lebanon and Israel launched US-sponsored direct talks after Hezbollah attacked Israel in March and Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion. Despite a weeks-long lull in fighting, Israel has continued intermittent strikes and demolition operations in south Lebanon. Israeli forces are operating in a strip about 10 kilometres inside the Lebanese border.

The Vatican said Aoun also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's second-in-command, and top diplomat Paul Richard Gallagher. The Lebanese presidency said Aoun asked Vatican officials to continue diplomatic efforts to ensure Israel implements the deal and ends attacks against civilians, infrastructure and villages.

Aoun is expected to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday. Rome has hosted the last two rounds of Israel-Lebanon talks.