Israel and Lebanon Open Sixth Round of Direct Talks in Rome

Israeli and Lebanese officials resumed U.S.-brokered direct talks in Rome on Tuesday, opening the sixth round of negotiations over their June 26 framework. The talks are focused on two pilot zones in southern Lebanon, where the framework links Hezbollah's disarmament, Lebanese Armed Forces deployment and a phased Israeli withdrawal. Israel says its buffer zone protects northern communities and requires proof that Hezbollah cannot return before forces pull back, while Beirut is pressing for withdrawal to begin from both zones. Hezbollah rejects the framework and efforts to disarm it, leaving expectations for a rapid breakthrough low.