US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon continue in Rome, with negotiators advancing conditional ceasefire arrangements, buffer zone proposals, and steps toward Lebanese state control in the south amid Hezbollah disarmament pressures. Recent Israeli strikes following soldier deaths and reported ceasefire violations have coincided with the seventh round of discussions, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has publicly conditioned any direct contact with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on prior agreement progress rather than meetings alone. US diplomatic engagement, including Aoun’s July White House visit, sustains momentum, though domestic Lebanese divisions and security incidents remain key variables that could accelerate or delay leader-level communication within the market’s timeframe.