US announces 45-day extension of Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, launches Pentagon talks

The State Department announced a 45-day extension of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel on Friday after the third round of direct talks mediated by the United States concluded.

A fourth round will take place at the State Department on June 2-3, State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said.

Despite the continued attacks between Hezbollah and Israel, the US took note of Beirut’s efforts and stance against Hezbollah’s attacks. “The US remains cognizant of the challenges posed by Hezbollah’s continued attacks on Israel, without the consent or approval of the Government of Lebanon, undertaken in order to derail this process,” Pigott said.

Pigott made his remarks after a two-day session of “highly-productive talks” between Lebanon and Israel.

In addition to the fourth round of talks, a separate security track will be launched at the Pentagon on May 29 with military delegations from both sides, he added.

The ceasefire extension will allow the security track to “meaningfully improve the communication and coordination between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by the United States,” he said.

“We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing genuine security along their shared border,” Pigott said.

Lebanon welcomes outcome

Beirut welcomed the outcomes of the two-day talks, saying the establishment of the security track provides “critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforces state institutions, and advances a political pathway toward lasting stability.”

In a statement released by the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, Lebanon said it would continue to engage constructively in negotiations while safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting the safety of its people. “Our objective is to transform the current ceasefire momentum into a comprehensive and lasting agreement that safeguards the dignity, security, and future of the Lebanese people.”

Israeli envoy upbeat

The Israeli envoy to Washington said the talks were “frank and constructive.” In a post on X, he said that there will be “ups and downs, but the potential for success is great.”