Israel and Lebanon Hold Rome Peace Talks as IDF Occupies Southern Lebanon
Delegations from Israel and Lebanon met at the US Embassy in Rome to negotiate "pilot zones" for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli ground forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army, contingent upon Hezbollah's disarmament. On the ground, Israeli troops demolished homes in occupied zones, with Israel's Defense Minister emphasizing that the IDF will maintain a physical presence in southern Lebanon "as long as necessary."
Date: July 14, 2026
Location: Southern Lebanon (Negotiations held in Rome, Italy), Lebanon
Conflict: Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
Category: diplomacy
Severity: HIGH
Source: Reuters / The National