Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days, which initially began on April 16. This extension aims to facilitate further progress in their discussions. The two countries will engage in political negotiations at the US State Department on June 2-3, with military delegates conducting parallel security talks at the Pentagon on May 29.
Despite the ceasefire, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have persisted. Recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and left dozens injured. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli drones, troops, military equipment, and a tank in various areas of southern Lebanon.
During the recent talks held in Washington, Israel was represented by its ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, and senior security officials. Lebanon’s delegation included its ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, and former Lebanese Ambassador to the United States, Simon Karam. The discussions primarily focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing official relations between the two nations.
Israel aims to maintain the freedom to conduct air and ground operations against Hezbollah until a formal agreement is reached. On the other hand, Lebanon is pushing for an Israeli withdrawal from its territory, cessation of Israeli strikes, and an end to the destruction of villages near the border. The current conflict initiated on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion.
