JERUSALEM (AA)

An Israeli official on Wednesday said the withdrawal from the two experimental zones in southern Lebanon could begin within days, describing the Rome talks as 'fruitful'.

According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli official said, 'The round of talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome, Italy, which concluded today, was fruitful.'

He added that 'further preparations and agreements are needed before the initial stages of the experimental zones can be implemented.'

The Israeli official added, 'That will be achieved in the coming days,' without further details.

No official statement from Israel regarding the meetings had been issued as of 14:30 GMT.

Earlier Wednesday, a high-ranking Lebanese official also said the implementation of the 'two model zones' in southern Lebanon could begin within days, in response to a Lebanese request, confirming progress as the Rome talks concluded.

This was stated in remarks to Anadolu at the conclusion of the second and final day of Rome negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under US auspices.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that the discussions covered in detail the mechanism for implementing the 'framework agreement' and the timeline for the sequence of the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

He added that one of the two zones would be 'under Israeli occupation, while the second is on its borders,' with efforts to strengthen the authority of the Lebanese army in both.

On June 26, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed, under US sponsorship, a 'framework formula' stipulating a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory, beginning with two experimental (model) zones without naming them.

The agreement did not set a timetable for the withdrawal, linking it to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in the areas from which the Israeli army withdraws, and the disarmament of armed groups, with special reference to Hezbollah.

For its part, the Lebanese National News Agency reported that the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, which concluded in Rome, addressed a number of files between the two sides, particularly regarding the two experimental zones.

Five rounds of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv had previously been held in Washington, leading to the signing of the 'framework formula' stipulating a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory.

Israel continues its aggression against Lebanon, which began on March 2, 2026, resulting in 4,324 deaths and 12,223 injuries, as well as the displacement of over one million people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous war between 2023 and 2024, and has advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current aggression.

In addition to occupying Lebanese territory, Israel occupies Palestinian and Syrian territories and refuses to withdraw from them and to establish a Palestinian state.