Lebanon to Demand Timetable for Israeli Withdrawal at Rome Talks

Israeli and Lebanese delegations are set to meet in Rome next week as part of ongoing political and security talks between the two countries. Reports from Lebanon today (Thursday) said the Lebanese delegation will demand that a binding timetable be established for the IDF's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

According to the reports, Lebanon is presenting the demand as a condition for continued progress in the negotiations. It is also expected to call for an immediate Israeli withdrawal from two "pilot areas" in southern Lebanon that were reportedly agreed upon during talks held in the United States about two weeks ago, making the move a condition for participating in the next round of discussions.

According to a statement from Italy's Foreign Ministry, the talks will be held at the ambassadorial level over two days, beginning on the 15th of the month. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome will host the negotiations and assist in mediating between the sides.

Several Israeli media outlets reported that Israel opposes the Lebanese demand. According to those reports, the understandings reached during the latest U.S.-mediated talks called for the Lebanese army to expand its deployment in southern Lebanon and for Hezbollah and other armed groups to be disarmed, but did not include a binding timetable for a full Israeli withdrawal.

The developments come a day after U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in Turkey that he believes Israel "will withdraw from Lebanon soon." Trump said he had discussed the issue with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding, "The Israelis want to do it. Israel and Lebanon are getting along."