Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jul 8: Israel and Lebanon are set to resume indirect peace negotiations next week, with the sixth round of US-mediated talks expected to take place in Rome, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

Although Sa'ar did not announce a specific date, Israeli media reports, citing Israel's Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, said the discussions are likely to begin next Tuesday in the Italian capital.

The upcoming meeting follows five previous rounds of ambassador-level negotiations held in Washington since April, aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and addressing long-standing security concerns.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Sa'ar reiterated that Israel remains interested in achieving peaceful relations with neighbouring countries. However, he stressed that any future agreement must guarantee Israel's security.

The previous round of negotiations, held in late June, concluded with a preliminary framework under which Israeli forces would withdraw from two areas in southern Lebanon where military operations against Hezbollah have continued.

Italy has welcomed the decision to host the latest round of talks. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described Rome as an ideal venue for dialogue and diplomacy, saying the city has long served as a meeting point for efforts aimed at resolving international conflicts.

In a message posted on X, Tajani said Italy was pleased to host the US-facilitated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon and reaffirmed his government's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote stability and peace in the Middle East.

He noted that Italy had conveyed its willingness to both the Israeli and Lebanese governments earlier this year to provide a neutral venue for negotiations, adding that Rome's selection reflects the country's active diplomatic engagement and its credibility on the international stage.