WASHINGTON, D.C. / Content Syndication Services / — The United States announced that Lebanon and Israel agreed to a negotiating framework and a 45-day extension of the April 16 cessation of hostilities, following two days of talks in Washington. The announcement said the framework is based on recognition of each side’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with improved security along their shared border.
The talks were held on May 14 and 15 at the U.S. Department of State and involved representatives from the governments of Lebanon and Israel. Washington said the discussions produced progress on the political track and allowed the parties to continue work toward a longer-term arrangement. The extension keeps the current cessation of hostilities in place beyond its previous expiry date.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the extension was agreed to enable further progress. He said political negotiations would resume on June 2 and 3, while a separate security track would begin at the Pentagon on May 29. The security discussions are expected to include military delegations from both countries and focus on communication and coordination mechanisms.
Talks Move Into Two Tracks
The two-track format separates political discussions from military and security coordination. Washington said the political track would continue at the State Department, while the U.S. Department of Defense would host the security track later this month. The arrangement places border security, recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a long-term political agreement at the center of the diplomatic process.
The latest meetings were part of a series of direct contacts between Lebanese and Israeli representatives hosted by the United States. Officials said the process is intended to address the ceasefire, border security, and the broader political framework between the two countries. The talks come after months of cross-border conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, which was not part of the Washington discussions.
Violence Continues Along Border
The announcement came as violence continued in southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported additional Israeli strikes on Friday, including attacks in the Tyre district that wounded dozens of people. Israel said it was striking Hezbollah infrastructure, while Hezbollah said it had carried out attacks on Israeli drones, troops and military equipment. Lebanon’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center has reported thousands of deaths and injuries since fighting intensified on March 2.
Washington said it recognizes the challenge posed by Hezbollah attacks conducted without approval or authorization from the Lebanese government. The United States welcomed the commitment of the governments of Lebanon and Israel to continue talks despite continuing security challenges. The next scheduled steps are the May 29 security meeting at the Pentagon and the June 2 and 3 political negotiations in Washington.