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'

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Reuters May 15, 2026 Less than a minute read

Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Marjeyoun, Lebanon, May 15, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS

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Israel and 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 and 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.

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.