Israel, Lebanon to Hold Rome Talks in October on US-Brokered Security Deal

Israel and Lebanon are set to hold talks in Rome in October aimed at advancing a US-brokered security arrangement designed to reduce hostilities along their shared border, a State Department official said.

The official described continued implementation of the deal as "the only viable mechanism to restore Lebanon's sovereignty and Israel's security." The two countries' ambassadors are also scheduled to meet in Washington next week.

The announcement follows a seventh round of negotiations in the Italian capital, which concluded in August without resolving key territorial disputes.

Hezbollah and Israel resumed fighting on March 2 amid the broader regional conflict. Israel's military is occupying what it calls a "buffer zone" extending roughly 10 km (6 miles) into Lebanon along the full length of the border. Israeli officials say the zone is needed to shield northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks.

Lebanon's health ministry says more than 4,300 people have been killed by Israeli strikes in the country since March.