Israel and Lebanon Set for Talks in Rome

Talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Rome in October to discuss a US-brokered security agreement aimed at reducing hostilities along the border, a US State Department official said.

Continuing to implement the agreement "remains the only viable mechanism to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and Israel’s security", the official said, adding that the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors will meet in Washington next week.

The Israeli military occupies what it calls a "buffer zone" extending approximately 10 km into Lebanon along the entire length of the Israeli border. Israeli officials say the zone is necessary to protect communities in northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks.

According to the Lebanese ministry of health, more than 4,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March.

(Reuters, su)