Lebanon and Israel open a seventh round of direct negotiations in Rome

A seventh round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 (13 Mordad 1405), in the Italian capital Rome under US sponsorship. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, delegations from both sides are discussing files related to the implementation of a US mediated framework agreement signed between Beirut and Tel Aviv in June. Italy's ANSA news agency also confirmed that the talks had opened.

Rome previously hosted a sixth round on 14 June, following five rounds in Washington that led to the signing of the framework agreement on 26 June. The agreement provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory in return for the deployment of the Lebanese army in those areas and the disarmament of armed groups.

The talks are taking place while tension continues along Lebanon's southern border. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236 others since 2 March.