Three days of U.S.-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Rome ended early after an escalation of attacks in southern Lebanon, though Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said positive progress was achieved on borders and prisoner exchanges during the seventh round of talks. The U.S. State Department called the sessions productive at a technical level but Washington will continue working to resolve remaining disputes over the ceasefire and so-called pilot zones tied to the June framework agreement.
Violence flared as the talks concluded. Israel launched further strikes in southern Lebanon after two soldiers were killed in an attack attributed to Hezbollah. The Lebanese army said a soldier was lightly wounded when Israeli fire struck a military bulldozer in al-Mansouri, where Israel also issued a forced displacement order. Israeli forces separately targeted water workers repairing infrastructure in Bint Jbeil.
U.S. General Joseph Clearfield is expected in Beirut soon to advance the discussions.