Home · World · May 16 archive
Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire 45 days after Washington talks
Confirmed
What we know
Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their April 16 ceasefire by 45 days after two days of U.S.-hosted talks in Washington, the State Department said, even as Israeli forces continued strikes in southern Lebanon that Beirut and monitors say fall outside a durable halt.
Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the talks were "highly productive," that the Pentagon will open a security track with both militaries on May 29, and that political negotiations reconvene June 2–3. Lebanon welcomed breathing room for civilians; Israel called the sessions frank while insisting ongoing operations against Hezbollah targets remain allowed under its reading of the truce.
What's confirmed
- Reuters: State Department confirmed the 45-day extension of the April 16 cessation of hostilities (Reuters/RNZ).
- ABC News: Extension announced Saturday coverage despite new Israeli strikes on Lebanon during the talks window (ABC).
- Al Jazeera: Lebanon welcomed the extension as Israeli attacks and evacuation orders continued in the south (AJ).
- Al-Monitor: Pentagon security track May 29 and State political track June 2–3 detailed after the third Washington round (Al-Monitor).
What's still developing
- Whether Israeli strikes and Hezbollah fire slow under the extended window.
- What concrete border-security terms emerge from the May 29 Pentagon meetings.
- How Lebanon's government can restrain Hezbollah while negotiations continue.
Sources
- Reuters — Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire by 45 days as Washington talks conclude link
- ABC News — Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 45 days despite new strikes link
- Al Jazeera — Iran war day 78: Trump, Tehran signal talks as Lebanon truce extended link
- Al-Monitor — Lebanon-Israel ceasefire extended 45 days as US opens security talks link