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The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was extended for another 45 days following U.S.-mediated talks in Washington, the State Department announced on Friday.
The current truce, which had already been prolonged once, was due to expire Sunday. The U.S, Israel, and Lebanon nevertheless continue to consider the ceasefire in effect despite recurring violence along the border.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the "April 16 cessation of hostilities" would remain in place to allow further diplomatic progress.
Washington also scheduled a new round of political negotiations for June 2-3, while military representatives from both countries are expected to meet at the Pentagon on May 29 as part of a separate security track.
A separate security meeting involving military delegations from Lebanon and Israel is also scheduled at the Pentagon on May 29.
"We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing genuine security along their shared border," Pigott added.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for Arab and international support for Beirut’s negotiations with Israel, saying Lebanon had suffered enough "reckless" wars serving foreign interests. He also stressed that weapons should remain exclusively under the control of the state and the Lebanese military, backing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s armed presence.
Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, who led the Israeli delegation, said after the talks that ensuring Israel’s security would remain critical, adding that despite possible "ups and downs," the negotiations carried strong potential for success.
The latest discussions marked the third round of negotiations hosted by the U.S. State Department.
According to a department official, the American delegation included State Department Counselor Michael Needham, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. Lebanon was represented by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and presidential envoy Simon Karam.
Israel has maintained that it will continue targeting Hezbollah positions despite the ceasefire, carrying out fresh airstrikes near the coastal city of Tyre on Friday that Lebanese authorities said wounded at least 37 people, including hospital workers, women and children.
The Iran-backed group, which exchanged fire with Israel during the cross-border conflict, is not participating in the negotiations in Washington.
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