Lebanon and Israel held the second day of United States-brokered talks in Rome on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, focusing on Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Despite ongoing negotiations, disagreements persist, particularly over Hezbollah’s weapons, making further Israeli pullbacks unlikely, according to a senior Lebanese official.

The talks represent the second day of the second round in Rome and the seventh overall, following five prior sessions in Washington. They aim to reinforce a fragile ceasefire and build upon a framework agreement signed in June.

During the political meeting, Lebanon outlined its position on the border, while military discussions addressed mechanisms for verifying security arrangements, including Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah’s armaments.

Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, reporting from Nabatieh, stated, “The latest round of talks in Rome is unlikely to lead to further Israeli withdrawals from southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have made this clear time and time again.” She also noted that residents in southern Lebanon have little faith in the agreement, citing anger at Hezbollah for reopening a front in March and distrust of Israel, which locals accuse of expansionist aims and ongoing home demolitions.

US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the talks focused on strengthening the implementation of the framework accord, including the pilot-zone mechanism, verifying Hezbollah’s disarmament, addressing security threats linked to Iran, and redeploying Israeli forces from the south with the goal of achieving a comprehensive security and peace deal.

Additionally, Israeli forces reportedly blew up structures near Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle amid the ongoing tensions.

Sources