Washington: Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to extend their ceasefire for another 45 days, as announced by the U.S. State Department. This extension follows the initial ceasefire declared by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 16.
According to Thai News Agency, Tommy Piggott, the spokesman for the U.S. State Department, stated that the extension aims to facilitate further progress in the ongoing negotiation process. The State Department evaluated recent discussions between Israel and Lebanon, held in Washington late last week, as productive. It was also announced that additional talks are scheduled for June 2nd and 3rd.
These discussions signify the third meeting between the two parties since Israel intensified its airstrikes on Lebanon. The escalation followed Hezbollah's missile attack on Israel on March 2, three days after the onset of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Additionally, Israel expanded its ground operations into southern Lebanon last month.
The conflict between Israel and Lebanon persists alongside the broader conflict between the US and Iran. However, since President Trump's ceasefire announcement, most of the hostilities have been contained to southern Lebanon.