US Brokered Israel–Lebanon Ceasefire Extended by 45 Days as Talks Continue

Mintesinot Niggusie

A US-mediated diplomatic process between Israel and Lebanon has extended a fragile ceasefire by 45 days, giving negotiators additional time to pursue security and political arrangements aimed at reducing tensions along the southern Lebanese border.

The extension, confirmed by the US State Department on Friday, pushes the April 16 cessation of hostilities beyond its original expiry date. Washington said the decision followed two days of talks involving delegations from both countries and was intended to sustain momentum toward a more durable framework.

The State Department said the discussions will now continue on parallel tracks, with security-focused meetings scheduled at the Pentagon on May 29 and political-level talks expected in early June.

Lebanese officials said the extension allows further diplomatic engagement while maintaining stability along the border region. The Lebanese delegation has taken part in the negotiations despite objections from Hezbollah, which remains a dominant force in the country’s security landscape.

Israeli officials described the talks as constructive while maintaining that any long-term arrangement must address security threats along the frontier. Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said safeguarding civilians and military personnel remains a central priority.

The negotiations follow months of intensified confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, including air and ground operations in southern Lebanon and rocket fire into northern Israel, which has contributed to displacement in border communities.

Despite the ceasefire, both sides have continued to report violations, and Israeli forces remain deployed in positions they describe as a security zone inside southern Lebanon.