U.S. extends Israel-Lebanon ceasefire 45 days

The United States said on May 15 that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend their April 16 cessation of hostilities by 45 days after two days of talks at the State Department in Washington. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the extension was intended to “allow the security track to meaningfully improve the communication and coordination between Israel and Lebanon,” while separate political talks are set for early June. (state.gov) Reuters reported that the ceasefire had been due to expire on Sunday. Reuters also reported that Hezbollah and Israel have continued to trade blows in southern Lebanon even as the U.S.-mediated process moves ahead. ### What exactly did Washington announce? Tommy Pigott said on May 15 that the United States had facilitated two days of talks between Israel and Lebanon on May 14 and 15 at the State Department. (state.gov) The two sides agreed to a framework for negotiations on what the State Department called “lasting peace,” recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and security along the border. The April 16 cessation of hostilities will now run for 45 more days, according to the State Department statement. Reuters reported that the extension followed the third meeting between Lebanese and Israeli delegations since Israel intensified air attacks on Lebanon after Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on March 2. (state.gov) ### If the truce was extended, why were strikes still being reported? Reuters reported on May 15 that Hezbollah and Israel had continued to trade blows, with hostilities focused in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces are occupying what Reuters described as a self-declared security zone. France 24 and other outlets reported that Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon again on May 16, hours after the extension was announced. (state.gov) The Israel Defense Forces said on May 16 that they had begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several areas of southern Lebanon, according to multiple reports. The State Department statement itself said Washington remained aware of “the challenges posed by Hizballah’s continued attacks on Israel,” which it said were undertaken without the consent or approval of the Lebanese government. (state.gov) ### Who is actually at the table in these talks? Reuters reported that the Washington meetings have become the highest-level contact between Lebanon and Israel in decades and now include security and military officials. Lebanon’s delegation is participating despite objections from Hezbollah, Reuters said, and has made a halt in hostilities a priority. (usnews.com) The May 8 State Department notice said the U.S. planned “intensive talks” with the governments of Israel and Lebanon and described the goal as a comprehensive peace and security agreement. That statement also said the process was tied to restoring Lebanese state authority and the disarmament of Hezbollah. (timesofisrael.com) ### What are the two new tracks the U.S. created? The State Department said the next phase will split into a security track and a political track. The security track is due to begin at the Pentagon on May 29 with military delegations from Israel and Lebanon. The political track will reconvene at the State Department on June 2 and June 3, according to Pigott. (usnews.com) Reuters quoted Pigott as saying the United States hopes the discussions will advance peace, mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and security along the shared border. ### What does Lebanon say it wants from the process? (state.gov) Lebanon’s delegation said it wanted to turn the ceasefire momentum into a lasting peace agreement, according to Reuters. Reuters also reported that Lebanon has prioritized a cessation in hostilities in the talks, while Israel says Hezbollah must be disarmed as part of any broader agreement. (state.gov) The next dated milestones are May 29 at the Pentagon for the security track and June 2-3 at the State Department for renewed political talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations. (usnews.com) (state.gov)