Israeli and Lebanese officials engaged in a new series of U.S.-mediated discussions on Tuesday. The goal is to advance a delicate cease-fire and facilitate Israel’s withdrawal from the southern part of Lebanon. Despite this, expectations for a significant breakthrough are low.

The conflict, which has persisted for months, involves Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. It has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions, leaving Israeli forces occupying areas in southern Lebanon. The hostilities erupted shortly after the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began, leading Hezbollah to attack Israel in support of Tehran.

The discussions are taking place over two days at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. They follow a preliminary agreement achieved last month, aiming to cease the fighting in Lebanon. The agreement, signed on June 26, faces criticism in Lebanon due to its lack of a specific deadline for Israel’s withdrawal.

Instead, the agreement links Israel’s exit to the disarmament of Hezbollah, a process overseen by the Lebanese government. Progress has been limited. It states that as Israel withdraws, the Lebanese Armed Forces would assume control, allowing displaced residents to return home.

The talks occur at a volatile time for the wider region. The U.S.-Iran framework cease-fire agreement signed last month relied on a cessation of war on all fronts, including Lebanon. Recently, both Iran and President Trump declared the deal over. The exchange of attacks has escalated, creating uncertainty regarding Hezbollah’s actions, as it remains Iran’s key regional ally.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope on Monday that the negotiations would yield “concrete and practical steps on the ground.” He urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to acknowledge that military strategies will not ensure lasting security.