Israel Sets Hezbollah Evacuation Demand for Rome Talks

Lebanon will enter the August 4–6 Rome talks demanding a ceasefire, while Israel is insisting that a Hezbollah stronghold be evacuated before further withdrawal steps. The U.S.-brokered negotiations are intended to advance pilot zones in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese army would take control after Hezbollah's armed presence is removed. Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter has said Israel can withdraw once Hezbollah is dismantled, warning that northern communities cannot again face missiles and attack tunnels. Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and has refused to disarm.