Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire for another 45 days following two days of high-level talks in Washington, according to the United States Department of State.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the development on Friday in a post on X, describing the discussions as “very productive.” The original ceasefire, announced on April 16, was set to expire on Sunday.
The conflict began after the Israeli military launched operations in southern Lebanon on March 2, three days after US-led airstrikes against Iran. Israel said the main objective of the campaign was to dismantle the Lebanon-based Shia armed group Hezbollah.
After nearly six weeks of fighting, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire through US mediation. The renewed agreement now extends the truce for an additional 45 days.
According to reports, between March 2 and April 16, at least 2,814 people were killed in southern Lebanon during Israeli military operations, while more than 12,000 others were injured. Over one million Lebanese civilians were also displaced by the violence.
Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military reportedly carried out several strikes in southern Lebanon over the past month. Some Bangladeshi migrant workers were among those killed in the attacks.
The Washington dialogue is also being viewed as diplomatically significant, marking one of the rare direct high-level engagements between Israel and Lebanon in decades. US military and security officials participated in the discussions alongside representatives from both countries.
Pigott said officials from the Pentagon are expected to propose a new “security line” between Israel and Lebanon before April 29. Based on that proposal, another round of talks is scheduled to take place in Washington from June 2 to 3.
“We hope these discussions will help strengthen the foundations for lasting peace, ensure mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and improve security along the border areas,” Pigott said.
