Israel and Lebanon Agree to 45-Day Ceasefire Extension Following Washington Talks

Lebanon's negotiating delegation in Washington announced on May 15, 2026, that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days. U.S. capital and came as the truce, declared on April 16, 2026, and effective from April 17, was due to end on May 17.

The statement was shared by the Lebanese presidency. " Lebanon aims to achieve the full restoration of state authority across all Lebanese territory. The delegation's goals include the return of the displaced, reconstruction in the south, and the release of Lebanese detainees in Israel.

It insists on a phased and verifiable implementation process, supported by the United States, to avoid the failures of previous arrangements. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Washington would hold negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement on June 2 and 3, 2026. The Pentagon would bring together delegations from the Lebanese and Israeli militaries on May 29, 2026.

U.S. " Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke at an NGO dinner on May 15, 2026. He said Lebanon has had enough "reckless" wars for foreign interests. Salam called for Arab and international support in Beirut's negotiations with Israel and hoped to "mobilize all Arab and international support to bolster our position in the negotiations" with Israel.

Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war on March 2, 2026, when Tehran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Israeli attacks since March 2, 2026, have killed more than 2,900 people in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities. More than 400 people have been killed in Lebanon since the April 17 truce took effect.

Even as the talks concluded, Israeli strikes on May 15, 2026, near the coastal city of Tyre wounded at least 37 people, Lebanon's health ministry said. The strikes wounded six medical staff members, nine women and four children. Smoke was seen rising from southern Lebanon following one of the strikes.

He added that the latest war was one Lebanon "did not choose but was forced upon us," which led to Israel occupying 68 towns and villages. Salam also stated that the Lebanese military should be the only armed body in the country.