The first day of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Rome concluded on Tuesday following a seven-hour meeting at the US Embassy, an Anadolu correspondent said.
The Italian capital is hosting a sixth round of direct negotiations on Tuesday and Wednesday, following five previous rounds in Washington that resulted in the signing of a framework agreement.
A high-level Lebanese official, who requested anonymity, told Anadolu that the first day of talks was “positive and constructive, but the matter requires further discussion.”
The Israeli side “requested clarifications regarding the mechanism of Lebanese army deployment and the verification of its complete control after the Israeli withdrawal,” the official said.
“These clarifications will be addressed during Wednesday’s session, which will begin at 10:00 am Beirut time (0800GMT),” he added.
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A senior Lebanese official earlier told Anadolu on condition of anonymity that the talks focus on securing a ceasefire in Lebanon and implementing the framework agreement signed on June 26.
The framework deal provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory beginning with two “pilot areas.”
The agreement does not set a timetable for the withdrawal and links it to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in areas vacated by Israeli forces and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, with specific reference to Hezbollah.
The Rome talks come as Israel continues its attacks in Lebanon, which have killed at least 4,324 people, injured 12,221 others, and displaced more than 1 million since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures.
Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-24 war.
READ: US military team to visit Lebanon to support ceasefire implementation
