Israel and Lebanon Agree 45-Day Ceasefire Extension
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 45-day ceasefire extension. The agreement followed two days of negotiations in Washington DC. The US state department confirmed the news.
A Fragile Truce Extended
“We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace,” said spokesman Tommy Pigott. He added that full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a goal. Establishing genuine security along their shared border is also a priority.
Continued Exchanges of Fire
US President Donald Trump announced the original truce on 16 April. However, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange fire since then. On Wednesday, Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli air strikes killed 22 people. Eight children were among the dead.
New Negotiation Tracks
The state department said it would “reconvene the political track of negotiations” in June. In addition, a security track will be launched at the Pentagon on 29 May. Military delegations from both countries will attend.Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, called the talks “frank and constructive”. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he hoped to “mobilise all Arab and international support” for Lebanon’s position.
