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Israel and Lebanon Meet to Advance Peace Talks, as Broader Truce Unravels
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Israeli and Lebanese officials convened U.S.-mediated talks in Rome aiming to advance a fragile cease-fire and facilitate Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, despite limited prospects for a breakthrough.
- The talks follow a preliminary agreement from June 26, which links Israel's withdrawal to the disarmament of Hezbollah, a process with limited progress and no fixed withdrawal deadline, drawing criticism in Lebanon.
- The agreement envisions the Lebanese Armed Forces taking control of southern areas as Israel withdraws, allowing displaced residents to return home.
- The discussions occur amid regional instability, with the recent U.S.-Iran cease-fire framework under strain after both sides declared the deal over, raising uncertainty about Hezbollah's future actions.
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope for practical outcomes from the talks and urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to acknowledge that military action alone cannot ensure lasting security.
