Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 45 days
The U.S. State Department announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their cessation of hostilities to allow for further diplomatic progress
Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to extend their current ceasefire by 45 days, the U.S. State Department announced on Friday. This extension applies to the cessation of hostilities originally declared by President Donald Trump on April 16. State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott confirmed the move, noting that the 45-day period is designed to facilitate further diplomatic progress between the two parties as they seek a more permanent resolution to the conflict.[1][2]
The decision to extend the agreement was reached during high-level talks involving Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington. The existing ceasefire was set to expire this Sunday, making the extension a critical step in maintaining the current diplomatic framework. The State Department has characterized these ongoing discussions as a necessary means to build upon the initial April agreement and prevent a return to full-scale hostilities.[1][2]
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough in Washington, the situation on the ground remains volatile. The Israeli military reported on Friday that it had carried out strikes against Hezbollah targets in the Tyre region of southern Lebanon. Reports indicate that Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange fire even after the U.S.-brokered ceasefire was established in mid-April. These persistent skirmishes highlight the fragile nature of the truce as negotiators work toward a more stable peace.[1]
