In a pivotal development, Israel and Lebanon have consented to prolong their ceasefire by 45 days following discussions in Washington, according to an announcement by the US State Department. These discussions, described as “highly productive,” spanned two days and are set to continue with further negotiations scheduled for June, as indicated by a US official. The initial truce, declared by US President Donald Trump on April 16, was originally set to expire this Sunday. Tommy Pigott from the State Department expressed optimism, stating, “We are hopeful that these discussions will pave the way for enduring peace between the nations, mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of genuine security along their shared border.”
Despite the previous ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah have persisted in exchanging fire, with frequent reports of conflicts along Lebanon’s southern frontier. Mr. Pigott announced that a “security track” is slated to commence at the Pentagon on May 29, involving military delegations from both nations. This week’s talks marked the third meeting since Israel escalated air assaults on Lebanon following missile attacks by Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant organization, on March 2, just days into the conflict in Iran. On Friday, Israel’s military reported striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in response to alerts of hostile aircraft and missile launches from across the border.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have wounded nearly 40 people, with one attack leveling a primary health center and damaging a hospital, injuring six medical personnel. Israel has refuted Lebanon’s accusations of targeting civilians and medical staff. Since Hezbollah’s attacks in March prompted an Israeli ground invasion, at least 2,896 people have died in Lebanon. In the same timeframe, Israeli authorities report the deaths of 18 soldiers and four civilians. Israel’s military stated its objective was to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to thwart future Hezbollah assaults. The devastation of entire villages in the region mirrors strategies previously employed by Israel in Gaza. Human rights organizations have suggested that Israel’s actions could constitute war crimes, a claim Israeli officials have denied.
Mr Pigott’s full statement said: ‘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. ‘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. ‘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.’
