Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 45 days, US State Dept says

Describes Israel-Lebanon talks held in Washington on Thursday and Friday as 'highly productive'

Israel. Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire declared by United States President Donald Trump on April 16 by another 45 days, the US State Department said on Friday.

“The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress,” State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said.

The State Department described Israel-Lebanon talks held in Washington on Thursday. Friday as “highly productive” and said negotiations would resume on June 2 and June 3.

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The talks marked the third round of discussions since Israel intensified air strikes on Lebanon after Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on March 2. three days into the US-Israeli war on Iran.

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

Israel expanded its ground offensive into southern Lebanon last month.

Running parallel to the US-Iran conflict. the Israel-Lebanon war has continued since Trump announced the ceasefire on April 16, although clashes have largely remained confined to southern Lebanon.

Israel says it will keep targeting Hezbollah, the group whose fire into Israel in solidarity with Iran triggered the cross-border conflict. which is not participating in the talks in Washington.

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