According to a statement released by the US State Department, the extension follows negotiations conducted on Thursday and Friday aimed at reducing tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border and advancing broader political and security understandings.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the April 16 cessation of hostilities agreement would remain in force to allow additional diplomatic progress.

“The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress,” Pigott said in a statement posted on X.

The State Department confirmed that political talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to resume on June 2 and 3, while a separate security track involving military delegations from both sides will begin at the Pentagon on May 29.

Washington said the discussions aim to promote long-term stability, border security, and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The American delegation was led by State Department Counselor Michael Needham alongside US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.

Lebanon’s delegation included Ambassador Nada Hamadeh and Simon Karam, special envoy to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Israel was represented by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin, and senior military officials.

Israeli media reports indicated that the negotiations included discussions on border demarcation and security arrangements linked to Hezbollah’s armed presence in southern Lebanon.

According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, working groups are expected to address issues related to border security and implementation mechanisms in the coming weeks.

Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected calls for disarmament or direct negotiations with Israel. Lebanese authorities previously announced plans to place all non-state weapons under state control following the escalation that followed the 2024 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

Despite the ceasefire agreement reached in April, military tensions have continued along the border.

Since March 2, clashes and Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have resulted in widespread displacement and destruction. Israeli officials previously announced plans to establish what they described as a “security zone” extending toward the Litani River in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli strikes since the ceasefire have killed at least 588 people and wounded more than 1,200 others.

Israel also carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs last week, marking the first attack on the Lebanese capital since the truce began.

On Thursday and Friday, the Israeli military issued new evacuation warnings in southern and eastern Lebanon and announced strikes targeting what it described as Hezbollah positions.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities said a Hezbollah drone crashed inside Israeli territory on Thursday, injuring at least four civilians.

The renewed US-led mediation effort comes amid growing international concern over the possibility of wider regional escalation.

Washington expressed hope that the talks would contribute to a more durable calm between Lebanon and Israel and help create conditions for long-term security arrangements along the border. (ILKHA)