Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by 45 days for continued talks

The fragile Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was extended by another 45 days, despite repeated violations by Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces.

The United States brokered a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese government, but Hezbollah wasn’t a part of the talks and didn’t indicate it would abide by the move. Hezbollah has continued attacking IDF soldiers and vehicles, while Israel has responded with targeted strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah fighters, leaders, and infrastructure.

Despite this, high-level talks held in Washington, D.C. extended the ceasefire for another 45 days. State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott hailed the Thursday-Friday talks as “highly-productive.”

“The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress,” Pigott said. “The State Department will reconvene the political track of negotiations on June 2 and June 3. In addition, a security track will be launched at the Pentagon on May 29 with military delegations from both countries.”