Israel and Lebanon commenced a fresh round of U.S.-facilitated talks in Rome on Tuesday to find a lasting solution to the prolonged hostilities between the two nations.
The negotiations, scheduled to run until Thursday, come as Lebanon seeks a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from its southern region.
“The United States remains fully committed to supporting both governments as they carry this process forward in a manner that delivers lasting security for both countries, eliminates security threats to Israel, and restores Lebanese state authority throughout the south,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.
The Lebanese delegation is led by military chief Brigadier-General George Rizkallah and includes former ambassador to the U.S. Simon Karam as well as the current envoy, Nada Mouawad.
However, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticised Lebanon’s participation in the talks, describing the move as capitulation.
He said the negotiations would bring “nothing but shame, humiliation, and successive compromises” for Beirut.