Lebanon/ Anadolu

A Lebanese official source said that the direct negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv, scheduled to be held in Rome on Tuesday, focus on the need for a ceasefire in the country and the mechanisms to implement the 'framework formula' signed on 26 June last.

Rome is hosting on Tuesday and Wednesday the sixth round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under US sponsorship, after five rounds held in Washington that led to the signing of the 'framework formula'.

The source, who preferred not to be named, told Anadolu: 'The Rome negotiations focus on the need for a ceasefire, and discuss the framework formula, of which nothing has been implemented regarding the Israeli withdrawal from the two pilot zones.'

He pointed out that Israel has set 'conditions not suitable for Lebanon' regarding the withdrawal from the 'pilot zones'.

He continued on this matter: 'The delay in implementing the pilot zones is due to Israel's demand that the army deploy in non-occupied areas.'

On June 26 last, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed in Washington, under US sponsorship, a 'framework formula' stipulating a phased Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory, starting with 'two pilot zones'.

The 'framework formula' did not set a timeline for withdrawal, linking it to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in the areas from which withdrawal occurs, and the disarmament of armed groups, in reference to 'Hezbollah'.

The source explained that the negotiations will also discuss 'forming committees to implement the framework formula' and defining the tasks of working groups that will be formed from the three countries: Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, to follow up on implementation on the ground.

He noted that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is counting on US pressure on Israel to implement the 'framework formula'.

The Rome round is taking place amid the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon since March 2, 2026, which has resulted in the deaths of 4,324 people and injuries to 12,221 others, in addition to the displacement of more than one million people, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades, and others since the previous war between 2023 and 2024.

In a related context, the source touched on Aoun's upcoming visit to Washington on July 21, saying it will discuss 'support for the army' in light of the 'major tasks' it will undertake, as well as support for the economy.

On July 8, Aoun said the upcoming visit reflects the unprecedented US interest in Lebanon, and Washington's support for the path to a permanent solution to the wars and Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and achieving stability in the Middle East.