Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire, US state department says
The US State Department says Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by another 45 days. According to the BBC, the extension follows weeks of intensified cross-border strikes. The decision offers an important breathing space for displaced communities in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
The US State Department has announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their existing ceasefire by 45 days. According to the BBC, talks held in Washington with a Lebanese delegation preserved the current framework for halting cross-border strikes. The agreement is said to include tighter monitoring mechanisms this time.
The Lebanese side pointed to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon in recent weeks and the resulting civilian toll. Israel has publicly maintained that it is continuing specific operations against Hezbollah. The terms also focus on inspection of certain arms depots and movement corridors.
Lebanese Prime Minister Salam described the talks as 'concrete diplomatic progress.' The US said work is underway in the next phase of negotiations on giving UN observers expanded authority. Global markets received the extension positively, with the regional risk premium expected to ease somewhat.
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