Israel and Lebanon Agree to 45-Day Ceasefire Extension Following US-Brokered Washington Talks

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Washington: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their current ceasefire by 45 days following two days of negotiations hosted by the United States in Washington, as diplomats attempt to prevent renewed large-scale fighting along the border.

The ceasefire, originally announced on April 16, was due to expire this weekend. The U.S. State Department said the extension would allow more time for political and security discussions aimed at reducing tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

American officials described the talks as “productive”, with both Israeli and Lebanese delegations expressing cautious optimism about future negotiations. The latest round marked the third set of direct discussions between the two sides since violence sharply escalated earlier this year.

Lebanon said its priority remains a full cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Israel, meanwhile, continues to insist that Hezbollah must be disarmed as part of any long-term settlement.

The conflict has displaced more than a million people in Lebanon and caused widespread destruction in border regions. Although the ceasefire has reduced fighting, sporadic clashes and airstrikes have continued in southern Lebanon, underlining the fragility of the truce.

The United States said additional meetings will take place later this month, including a new security-focused track involving military officials at the Pentagon, followed by further political negotiations in early June.