Israel, Lebanon Extend Ceasefire 45 Days as US Sets May 29 Security Talks
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 15
Israel, Lebanon Extend Ceasefire 45 Days as US Sets May 29 Security Talks
18 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 15
A 45-day extension to the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was agreed after two days of negotiations in Washington, the US State Department said.
The deal aims to stabilize a truce announced by President Donald Trump on April 16 that has remained fragile, with Israel and Hezbollah still exchanging fire.
Wednesday's violence underscored that fragility: Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli air strikes killed 22 people in the south, including eight children.
Washington said it will reconvene a political negotiation track in June and launch a separate security track at the Pentagon on May 29 with military delegations from both countries.
The US said it hopes the talks can move beyond the temporary truce toward lasting peace, mutual recognition of sovereignty and stronger security along the shared border.
With Israel planning a permanent buffer zone, can US-led talks prevent a new occupation of southern Lebanon?
As fighting rages despite a truce, is this 45-day ceasefire extension merely a prelude to a larger war?
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire in Crisis: 2,500 Dead, Fragile Truce Tested by US-Iran Proxy War and Humanitarian Collapse
Overview
As of mid-May 2026, the Israel-Lebanon border is marked by a fragile ceasefire that is often broken by ongoing hostilities, creating a tense security environment. Israeli military activity inside Lebanon and frequent strikes in towns like Al-Baisariyah have led to a severe humanitarian impact, with many civilians losing their lives. Residents in southern Lebanon continue to suffer as violence persists, despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. This ongoing instability highlights the challenges in achieving lasting peace and underscores the urgent need for effective negotiations and humanitarian support.