Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended 45 Days at Washington Talks
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 45-day extension of the ceasefire that was due to expire on Sunday, the US State Department announced on Friday at the conclusion of two days of talks in Washington. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said: “The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress.” A new security track will be launched at the Pentagon on 29 May; the political track reconvenes at the State Department on 2-3 June.
The third round of talks included military officials from both sides for the first time, including Israel’s acting defence attaché to the US Brigadier-General Arik Ben Dov and the head of the IDF’s Strategic Division Brigadier-General Amichai Levin. Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter called the talks “frank and constructive”, adding: “There will be ups and downs, but the potential for success is great.” The Lebanese delegation said the extension “provides critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforces state institutions, and advances a political pathway toward lasting stability.” Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Beirut had had enough “reckless” wars fought for foreign interests.