US confirms 45-day ceasefire extension for Israel and Lebanon
The United States State Department has verified a new 45-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, aiming to facilitate expanded political settlement talks despite continued Israeli strikes in the south.
The United States has announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire for a period of 45 days, following diplomatic talks held in Washington. The agreement extends the truce originally established on 17 April, which was set to expire shortly after the conclusion of these negotiations. The US State Department confirmed the extension as a measure designed to enable further progress toward a permanent political settlement.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott provided official confirmation of the arrangement. Lebanon’s delegation described the extension and the opening of military talks as providing critical breathing room for citizens, with the ultimate goal of achieving lasting stability in the region. The previous ceasefire, established on 17 April, was described as nominal and did not fully halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with the Lebanese government continuing to struggle with restraining the group.
The announcement coincided with new Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, which Israel insists are not subject to the truce. Israel has been conducting military operations in Lebanon since early March in response to fire from Hezbollah. During this period, Israel invaded southern Lebanon, intensifying hostilities that the earlier nominal ceasefire failed to fully resolve.
Regional tensions remain high as the United Arab Emirates issued a statement regarding its defensive measures. The UAE foreign ministry clarified that all actions taken by the Gulf country were within its framework of protecting sovereignty, civilians, and vital infrastructure. This statement followed reports in the Wall Street Journal alleging that the UAE carried out military operations against Iran, allegations the ministry addressed by framing them as defensive necessities.
Separately, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are on a four-day state visit to the United States, which proceeds despite a shooting incident at a White House dinner attended by President Donald Trump on 27 April. The visit includes a historic address to a joint session of the US Congress, underscoring the continued diplomatic engagement between the two nations amidst broader regional security concerns.
