Lebanon’s president urges Italian premier to pressure Israel to uphold framework agreement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday to pressure Israel to implement a framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv, which was reached under US auspices, Anadolu reports.

Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with Meloni in Rome on the second day of his visit, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.

The two leaders discussed Lebanese-Italian relations and ways to develop cooperation across various fields, as well as regional developments, according to the statement.

They also discussed the situation in Lebanon, particularly in the south, amid continued Israeli attacks and the need to pressure Israel to comply with the framework agreement.

Aoun thanked Meloni for hosting the negotiations in Italy and for Rome’s role in supporting security and stability in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon and Israel have held seven rounds of direct negotiations since April 14, five in Washington and the latest two in Rome.

Aoun and Meloni also discussed arrangements for the period following the end of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s mission (UNIFIL).

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UNIFIL’s mandate in southern Lebanon is due to expire at the end of the year, with its full withdrawal expected in 2027.

Discussions remain underway on the future of the peacekeeping force’s mission in the country.

UNIFIL has been present in southern Lebanon since 1978 in line with UN Security Council resolutions. Its mandate includes monitoring the security situation and ensuring stability in the area.

Aoun also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and discussed Lebanese-Italian relations and regional developments, according to the presidency.

The visit comes as efforts continue to implement the framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel under US auspices on June 26.

Israel has continued staging relentless attacks in several parts of southern Lebanon, despite the agreement, which Beirut said are hindering the army’s planned deployments.

Since March 2, wide-ranging Israeli attacks have killed 4,348 victims and injured more than 12,000, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Israeli forces remain present in several parts of southern Lebanon, some of which they have occupied for decades.

Others were occupied during a previous round of fighting, in 2023 and 2024, when Israeli forces advanced more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) into sovereign Lebanese territory.​​​​​​​

READ: Lebanon says death toll from Israeli attacks since March exceeds 4,300