US Says Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Agreement Extended By 45 Additional Days
The US confirmed a 45-day extension of the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement.
Lebanon and Israel have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days despite renewed violence along the border, the US State Department announced on Friday following mediation efforts involving both sides.US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the cessation of hostilities, which had been due to expire on Sunday, would now remain in effect until at least mid-June. According to the State Department, the extension is intended to provide additional time for diplomatic progress toward a broader political and security agreement between the two countries.
Pigott said negotiations aimed at securing a more permanent arrangement are scheduled for June 2 and 3, while the US Department of Defense will host separate military-level discussions involving delegations from Lebanon and Israel on May 29. Washington said it hopes the talks will support long-term stability, mutual recognition of sovereignty, and stronger security mechanisms along the shared border.
The ceasefire has remained fragile despite formal commitments from both sides. During the latest round of talks, Israeli forces reportedly carried out additional strikes inside Lebanon, targeting positions linked to Hezbollah. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will continue military operations against Hezbollah, accusing the group of launching attacks into Israeli territory in coordination with Iran-backed regional activity.
Also Read: Iran FM Araghchi Comments On Ongoing Tensions With United States
The cross-border conflict escalated after Hezbollah began firing into Israel in support of Palestinian groups following the outbreak of the Gaza war. Although Hezbollah is central to the conflict dynamics, the group is not participating directly in the current negotiations taking place in Washington, according to US officials.
The United States has played a leading mediating role in recent months as concerns grow over the possibility of a wider regional conflict involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran-backed militias, and other armed groups across the Middle East. Diplomatic efforts have focused on preventing sustained escalation while seeking a framework for long-term border security and political de-escalation between Lebanon and Israel.
Also Read: #JUSTIN: Fire Destroys USF St. Pete Marine Science Lab, Probe Underway
