Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire for another 45 days - media

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the ceasefire by 45 days to allow for further negotiations. It was reported by the US State Department, as the Trump administration seeks to contain the conflict, which is complicating efforts to end the war against Iran.

Bloomberg reports on this.

"The extension of the truce follows two days of negotiations in Washington hosted by US officials. The mediators have sought to wind down an Israeli campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah isn’t involved in the ceasefire but had largely abided by its terms,” the report added.

Meanwhile, the State Department will resume political talks on June 2 and 3, and a separate track of negotiations involving military officials will begin at the Pentagon in May, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

"We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing genuine security along their shared border," he noted.

Bloomberg noted that the ceasefire had previously been extended on April 23, a few days before it was set to expire.

"But this week has seen more fighting, with Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets earlier on Friday. Hezbollah launched an explosive drone on Thurdsay that injured some Israeli civilians, while a senior Israel Defense Forces official vowing on Wednesday their operation is not over," the report noted.