Israel Suspends Rome Talks With Lebanon Over Alleged Leaks

The United States Department of State sponsored a seventh round of technical negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Rome on Tuesday and Wednesday to implement a framework deal established in Washington in June. The agreement centers on the disarmament of Hezbollah, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to create security pilot zones.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter suspended the talks on Wednesday, ending the session three hours early. Leiter cited repeated misleading leaks by the Lebanese delegation as the reason for the halt. While the Lebanese president's office claimed the U.S. requested the pause to complete its contacts, Israeli sources maintained the suspension was a response to the leaks. Despite the friction, the Lebanese president's office reported progress regarding verification mechanisms and border disputes.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem denounced the negotiation process as shameful, insisting that Israel must completely withdraw. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa cautioned against rushing the implementation, noting the risks to civilian safety. The U.S. State Department affirmed its commitment to the process to restore Lebanese state authority in the south and ensure lasting security for both nations. Talks are expected to resume Thursday.