Rome Talks Turn to Verifying Hezbollah-Free Zones After First Day

U.S.-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome ended their first day with verification of Hezbollah-free pilot zones at the center of discussions. Negotiators are weighing which country or countries should confirm that areas entered by the Lebanese Armed Forces contain no Hezbollah personnel or weapons, and Italy is among the possibilities under discussion; no decision has been reached. The talks continue through Thursday and also cover expansion of the pilot-zone process, Hezbollah's disarmament and a phased IDF withdrawal. Washington said the process aims to eliminate security threats to Israel while restoring Lebanese state authority in the south.