Israel and Lebanon Agree to Extend Ceasefire by 45 Days Amid Continued Israeli Strikes

U.S. State Department said Friday.

The ceasefire had been due to expire on Sunday. The United States, Israel and Lebanon consider the ceasefire in effect despite continued violence, with Israel pounding targets in Lebanon again during the talks. The extension was announced after the flare-up, even as the parties pressed ahead with American-mediated discussions.

U.S. State Department will hold negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement on June 2 and 3. The Pentagon will bring together delegations from Israel and Lebanon’s militaries 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 said. The ceasefire began on April 16. @SCMPNews reported that the extension comes as the parties seek to build on the initial halt in hostilities.

U.S. State Department in the mediating talks. Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesman, issued the statements detailing both the extension and the upcoming meetings.

He said the April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress. The same announcement outlined the specific dates for the political negotiations and military talks. @SCMPNews reported the ceasefire extension on May 16, 2026, one day before the original expiration.

The article noted that Israel pounded targets in Lebanon again during the talks, underscoring the fragility of the truce even as all sides affirmed its continued force. The Pentagon meeting on May 29 will focus on military delegations from both countries. It precedes the broader political negotiations scheduled for the following week.