Lebanon and Israel convened the seventh round of direct negotiations in Rome on Tuesday under US sponsorship, continuing discussions based on a June framework agreement for phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Lebanese army deployment, and disarmament of non-state groups. The three-day talks follow earlier sessions that began in Washington in April and occur amid ongoing conflict that started with Hezbollah rocket fire in March and Israeli military response. Delegations from both sides include military and diplomatic officials, with statements from Hezbollah leadership criticizing the process.