Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by 45 days amid perpetual Israeli strikes

WASHINGTON (MNTV) — Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire arrangement by 45 days, according to the United States State Department, even as concerns persist over ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

US State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said the ceasefire declared on April 16 would be prolonged to allow what was described as further diplomatic progress. 

The announcement followed talks held in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese delegations over two days this week.

Officials characterized the discussions as “highly productive,” adding that both sides are expected to reconvene on June 2 and June 3 for additional negotiations.

The ceasefire extension comes despite continued Israeli military operations in the region, including intensified air and ground activity in southern Lebanon in recent weeks. 

Israel had previously expanded its ground incursion into the area following escalating cross-border exchanges.

The current conflict trajectory began on March 2, shortly after the outbreak of wider regional when US and Israel struck Iran with missiles and strikes. 

Since then, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have continued alongside diplomacy in an effort to stabilize the situation.

Although a ceasefire was declared in April, Israeli strikes have largely persisted in southern Lebanon, with repeated military engagements raising questions over the durability of the agreement and Israel’s adherence to de-escalation commitments.

The State Department said the extension is intended to support continued negotiations between the parties, which have met multiple times in Washington in recent months.