Lebanon talks in Rome making progress, reports suggest

By Nathan Morley

Progress was reported on border issues and the return of prisoners during the latest Lebanon–Israel negotiations in Rome, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said.

Aoun said the talks — the seventh round and opposed by Hezbollah — focused on four points: a ceasefire, house demolitions, the border and the return of prisoners, along with identifying pilot areas. 

He said “positive progress” was made on border and prisoner matters and said he hoped practical steps would follow.

He said the U.S. administration would take up the remaining issues of a cease-fire and pilot areas.

His comments came a day after Israeli and Lebanese officials wrapped up three days of talks in Rome aimed at advancing border security arrangements and implementing a framework agreement reached in Washington in late June.

Conditions in Lebanon remain severe. 

A Lebanese army bulldozer removes the wreckage of a car destroyed by the Israeli military in the southern Lebanese village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah on August 8, 2026   (AFP or Licensors)

Last month, UN‑appointed independent human rights experts warned civilians were facing a “devastating and disproportionate toll,” with homes destroyed, towns cut off and many southern communities still inaccessible.

The Lebanese health ministry says at least 4,333 people have been killed during the conflict, including 392 women and 253 children.