The US has said that Lebanon and Israel have agreed to extend their temporary ceasefire for 45 days following a new round of talks in Washington.
The fragile truce was first announced on April 16 to end the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. However, both sides have continued to exchange strikes since then.
45-Day Extension
The US State Department announced a 45-day extension of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel – set to expire on Sunday – following two days of direct talks in Washington.
“On May 14 and 15, the United States hosted two days of highly-productive talks between Israel and Lebanon. The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress,” US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement on X.
Pigott announced that a new round of talks will take place on June 2-3. He also said that military delegations from both countries will convene at the Pentagon on May 29 to discuss military-to-military communication and coordination between Lebanon and Israel through a security track.
“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,” he noted.
Lebanon-Israel Peace Talks
Fighting between Hezbollah and Israel erupted on March 2, 2026, when the Lebanese group decided to join the Iran war in retaliation for the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In response, Israel launched heavy airstrikes and ground operations into southern Lebanon, seizing control of large swaths of the country.
As Tehran has stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a prerequisite for any deal, the US has mediated to end the fighting in parallel to broader diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran. The third round of peace talks between Lebanon and Israel took place on Thursday and Friday.
Lebanon’s delegation, which participates despite strong opposition from Hezbollah, wants an end to hostilities, while Israel demands the disarmament of the Iranian-backed group as part of any broader peace agreement.
Positive Outcomes
Following the latest round of talks, the Lebanese delegation touted “meaningful diplomatic progress for Lebanon” and welcomed the outcomes.
“The extension of the ceasefire and the establishment of a US-facilitated security track provide critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforce state institutions, and advance a political pathway toward lasting stability,” the delegation said in a statement.
Furthermore, it reaffirmed unwavering commitment to reaching an agreement that safeguards Lebanon’s sovereignty and protect the safety of all citizens.
“Our objective is to transform the current ceasefire momentum into a comprehensive and lasting agreement that safeguards the dignity, security, and future of the Lebanese people,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, described the talks as “frank and constructive,” expressing hope that they will succeed.
“There will be ups and downs, but the potential for success is great,” he posted on X.
Strikes Continue
Shortly after announcing the ceasefire extension, an Israeli airstrike on a health center in the town of Harouf killed at least six people, including 3 paramedics, and injured 22 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Israel also struck sites in the Tyre District, wounding at least 37 people, including six hospital personnel, nine women and four children, the Ministry said.
In response, Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli troop gatherings and vehicles in Al-Khiam, Rachaf, Naqoura, Kiryat Shmona, and Hadatha, reported Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA).
Since March 2, the Israeli war on Lebanon has killed 2951people and injured 8988, according to Lebanese Health Ministry’s figures. The war has also displaced more than a million people.
