Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days after two days of talks in Washington, offering a temporary diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that has continued to claim lives despite the truce. The extension, announced by the US State Department on Friday, will keep the cessation of hostilities in place beyond its original expiry date on Sunday while fresh political and military negotiations continue in the coming weeks.
US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott described the talks as “highly productive” and said discussions aimed at reaching a long-term political agreement would resume on June 2 and 3. A separate “security track” involving military officials from both countries is also set to begin at the Pentagon on May 29. Washington said the talks are intended to secure lasting peace, mutual recognition of sovereignty and stronger security arrangements along the Israel-Lebanon border.
