U.S. Extends Ceasefire Between Lebanon and Israel for 45 More Days

U.S. Announces 45-Day Ceasefire Extension

The U.S. Department of State has officially announced a 45-day extension of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. This decision follows a productive third round of diplomatic talks held in Washington, D.C., on Thursday and Friday. A spokesperson from the State Department characterized the discussions as “highly productive,” with the intention of advancing both political and security frameworks.

Resumption of Negotiations and New Security Initiatives

The State Department detailed several key developments as part of the ongoing negotiations:

• The political track will resume on June 2 and 3 at the State Department.
• The security track is set to commence on May 29 at the Pentagon, featuring military delegations from both Lebanon and Israel.

Washington expressed optimism that these discussions would lead to lasting peace and mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, thereby enhancing security along their shared border.

Responses and Ongoing Violence

The Lebanese embassy in Washington welcomed the outcomes of the negotiations, noting significant diplomatic progress for Lebanon. The embassy indicated that the ceasefire extension would facilitate the initiation of the security track and bolster political momentum.

Among the agreements reached, the parties confirmed:

• The extension of the ceasefire for an additional 45 days.
• The launch of an official political track reflecting Lebanon’s constructive engagement.
• The next meeting will take place on June 2 and 3, 2026, in Washington.
• A commitment from the U.S. to enhance military communication and coordination channels between Lebanon and Israel.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, violence continues to escalate. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported 55 fatalities within 48 hours due to Israeli airstrikes, with the total death toll since March 2 reaching 2,951 and injuries totaling 8,988. The Israeli military has reported the elimination of over 220 Hezbollah militants in the past week and has conducted attacks on more than 440 targets across southern Lebanon.

Imran Riza, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, described the negotiations as a “critical opportunity” to end the conflict. He condemned the ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have inflicted an “unacceptable toll” on civilians, emphasizing the necessity for these diplomatic efforts to lead to a comprehensive political solution.