US Announces Three-Week Extension of Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions

The original 10-day ceasefire, set to expire on Sunday, was extended at Lebanon's request. Participants in the Oval Office meeting included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, State Department Counselor Michael Needham, and ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon, along with U.S. ambassadors to both countries.

described the extension as a period of no firing, adding that the U.S. would work with Lebanon to address issues in the country. The ceasefire has been observed tenuously, with reduced but ongoing attacks. Hezbollah launched its first missile attack on northern Israel since the ceasefire began on April 16, according to the Israel Defense Forces, which reported intercepting the missiles.

Israel has continued sporadic bombing in self-defense, as permitted under the agreement, and maintains tens of thousands of troops in southern Lebanon targeting alleged militants and infrastructure. Both sides have accused each other of violations. The talks involve the Lebanese government, not Hezbollah directly.

the extension, the Israel Defence Forces reported carrying out a strike in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of six Hezbollah members. Israel stated it reserves the right to conduct strikes against Hezbollah for defense purposes. The strike followed the ceasefire extension, highlighting ongoing tensions despite efforts to reduce hostilities.

The IDF addressed an incident where a soldier destroyed a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon. The soldier who smashed the statue and another who photographed it were dismissed from combat duty and sentenced to jail. Six other troops present at the scene, who did not intervene or report the incident, are under investigation. The IDF provided a replacement statue to the village.

“The conduct of an IDF soldier destroying a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon is entirely unacceptable, particularly for a military operating as an occupying force.”

Negotiations aim to achieve peace, but challenges remain as the Lebanese government lacks control over Hezbollah. Iran seeks involvement in related settlements. Israeli intelligence suggests a theory that Mojtaba, potentially referring to a key Iranian figure, may be dead, based on reports of severe incapacitation and disinformation efforts.

A U.S.-Israeli diplomatic memo from early April claimed Mojtaba is unconscious and hidden, with preparations for a mausoleum. Leaks to The New York Times described severe injuries but mental sharpness, with isolation measures in place.