August 3, 2026—Washington, DC. The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) commends the United States, Lebanon and Israel for their continued commitment to negotiations, the next round of which are to be held tomorrow in Rome. These talks will build on the positive momentum created by the Trilateral Framework signed in late June and come on the heels of a historic meeting between Presidents Trump and Aoun.
US Ambassador Michel Issa underscored the importance of the frequent and meticulous work of the negotiating teams in his statement today:
“There is a meaningful difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly — moving too quickly risks jeopardizing the very civilians this process is meant to protect. We believe it is better to take the time needed to get this right the first time. Doing so will allow subsequent pilot zones to move forward more efficiently.”
ATFL hopes the most immediate outcome of the upcoming meeting is to ensure the rapid and successful implementation of the first pilot zones agreed by the parties; to firm up a ceasefire that has been repeatedly violated; to secure an end to Israel’s demolition of towns and villages under its occupation; and to mobilize international support for the rehabilitation of displaced communities. In this regard, an independent verification process is key to successfully implementing the pilot zones and building the necessary trust between the parties.
In the near term, ATFL hopes that the parties agree on the next pilot zones to be transferred from Israeli to Lebanese state control in South Lebanon, and for the Lebanese government to take firm steps to expand the state’s authority to reduce Hezbollah’s footprint and other reform measures that ensure a whole of government approach to disarmament. Importantly and most immediately, it will be important for the US and Lebanon’s international and regional friends to take the steps necessary to support the Lebanese state and its armed forces in this process.
For the future, ATFL believes these initial steps in the weeks ahead can lay the ground for empowering a Lebanese state in full control of its territory and borders—including a disarmed Hezbollah—an Israel that has withdrawn fully from all Lebanese territory, and the establishment of peaceful and secure relations between the two countries, under US auspices.
The opportunity presented by direct talks between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, and the high engagement of the Trump Administration, has created a once-in-lifetime opportunity to bring about a positive outcome for all involved. This is a historic opportunity that should not be missed.