US Says Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended By 45 Days After Washington Talks

WASHINGTON / ISTANBUL / BEIRUT, May 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The United States (US) announced Friday that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by 45 days following what Washington described as “highly productive” talks between the two sides, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

“The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said on X.

The announcement came despite continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon since the US-mediated ceasefire took effect.

Pigott said the State Department will resume the political negotiations track on June 2 to 3.

He also announced that a separate “security track” involving military delegations from both countries will be launched 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 establish genuine security along their shared border,” Pigott said.

The announcement followed a third round of US-mediated negotiations held at the State Department.

A department spokesperson described the discussions to Anadolu as “very positive, even exceeding expectations.”

According to a department official, the US was represented in the talks by department Counselor Michael Needham, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.

Lebanon was represented by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Lebanese presidential envoy Simon Karam, the official said.

According to a statement obtained by Anadolu, the Lebanese delegation in Washington said it had concluded two days of negotiations at the US State Department in Washington which resulted in “tangible diplomatic progress” for Lebanon.

It added that “the parties agreed to extend the current ceasefire for an additional 45 days to allow the launch of the US-sponsored security track on May 29 and to reinforce the political momentum achieved in recent days.”

The delegation said “an official political track has been launched, reflecting Lebanon’s constructive engagement and enhancing prospects for reaching a lasting peaceful solution,” adding that the next meeting will be held on June 2-3 at the US State Department in Washington.

It also said that the US “will proactively work to strengthen military communication and coordination between Lebanon and Israel through a security track scheduled to begin on May 29 at the Pentagon in Washington.”

The delegation stressed that Lebanon would continue its constructive participation in the negotiations while preserving its sovereignty and protecting the safety of its people.

It said the aim is to “transform the momentum of the current ceasefire into a comprehensive and lasting agreement that safeguards the dignity, security, and future of the Lebanese people.”

Separately, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the talks with Lebanese and American officials had concluded after two days of negotiations.

“The peace talks were frank and constructive and are set to move forward on two tracks: security and political,” Leiter said on X.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU