The United States announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended for 45 days, following talks that Washington described as “very productive” between the two sides, reports Anadolu.

“The cessation of hostilities of April 16 will be extended for 45 days to allow for further progress,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said on the American social platform. X.

The announcement came despite continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the U.S.-brokered cease-fire took effect.

Pigott said the State Department will resume the round of political negotiations on June 2-3.

He also announced that a “special line of security” involving military delegations from both countries will launch at the Pentagon on May 29.

“We hope that these discussions advance towards lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the creation of real security along the common border,” Pigott said.

The announcement followed the third round of US-brokered negotiations held at the State Department.

A State Department spokesperson told Anadolu that the talks were “very positive, even beyond expectations”.

According to a State Department official, the US was represented at the talks by State Department adviser Michael Needham, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.

Lebanon was represented by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Lebanese presidential envoy Simon Karam, the official said.

Source: prizrenpost