Lebanon and Israel have concluded a sixth round of US-brokered talks in Rome aimed at de-escalating tensions along their shared border. A U.S. official stated that progress was made regarding a plan for potential Israeli troop withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon. The negotiations, spurred by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah which began in March, mark a significant, though tentative, step forward. These are the first face-to-face discussions between representatives from both countries since fighting escalated. The talks involved meetings at the U.S. embassy and focused on establishing “pilot zones” to reduce conflict. While details remain scarce, the hope is that withdrawal could begin within days. This development arrives amid a wider regional conflict and ongoing hostilities.