Israel Escalates Strikes as Lebanon Direct Talks End in Rome

Israeli and Lebanese representatives concluded three days of US-brokered direct talks in Rome on Thursday. The negotiations focused on a framework for the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the disarmament of Hezbollah within designated pilot zones in Faroun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya. Despite these efforts, the session adjourned without new agreements, with the next meeting scheduled for September 1.

Violence intensified during and after the summit. Hezbollah detonated an explosive device in Majdal Zun, killing two IDF reserve soldiers and wounding four others. In response, the Cabinet of Israel launched 113 projectiles into Lebanon—the highest daily rate since mid-June—targeting Tebnine, Burj al-Shamali, Mansouri, and al-Hamra. These strikes killed one person and wounded dozens, while Israel issued a new evacuation order for Mansouri.

Internal Lebanese divisions persisted as Hezbollah MP Hussein Hajj Hassan criticized the talks as yielding only concessions to Israel. Conversely, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged for the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of state security forces, though the government continues to struggle with the capacity to coerce Hezbollah's disarmament.