Lebanon and Israel Extend Ceasefire as Negotiations Progress Under US Mediation

Diplomatic efforts between Lebanon and Israel have advanced following the third round of negotiations held at the US State Department in Washington, with both sides agreeing to extend the current ceasefire by 45 additional days. The Lebanese delegation reported tangible progress on issues affecting Lebanon's interests, according to participants in the talks.

The extended ceasefire will create space for a security track launching on May 29, which will bring together military delegations from Lebanon and Israel under American sponsorship. The arrangement aims to strengthen border security measures and reinforce the political momentum generated through recent discussions.

A joint statement issued by the US State Department reflected consensus on key principles, with Washington expressing hope that "these discussions will contribute to achieving sustainable peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of real security along the common border."

American officials characterized the negotiations as exceeding expectations and demonstrating serious diplomatic progress. However, the State Department is pursuing an even more ambitious agenda—pushing both nations toward a parallel political and security framework. Notably, the question of Hezbollah's disarmament has shifted from a deferred issue to a central condition that may determine whether diplomatic efforts can advance beyond temporary truces or will revert to cycles of mutual strikes.

Developments in Beirut

President Joseph Aoun coordinated closely with political leaders throughout the negotiating rounds. He spoke with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri by telephone, with Berri emphasizing that a ceasefire remains the priority. According to reports, Berri conveyed to the president that he would engage with Hezbollah if Israel demonstrated similar commitment to halting hostilities.

The president also consulted with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and held technical discussions with his support team and specialists, as well as direct communication with the Lebanese delegation in Washington. Berri and Salam met in Ain al-Tineh to assess the broader situation, particularly Israel's continued military operations in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa Valley.

According to sources, Hezbollah has signaled it will maintain a complete ceasefire provided the Lebanese delegation can secure an equivalent commitment from the Israeli side.

Contentious Negotiations

The talks proceeded through two evening sessions on Thursday and into Friday, with significant back-and-forth exchanges between delegations. The Lebanese team repeatedly stressed the need for a ceasefire, civilian protections, and an end to the systematic destruction and bulldozing of villages.

Israel's delegation linked its withdrawal to the withdrawal of Hezbollah's weapons. The Lebanese response emphasized that establishing a ceasefire and ensuring Israeli withdrawal are the immediate priorities, while the matter of Hezbollah's weapons constitutes an internal Lebanese issue to be resolved through Lebanese channels following Israel's complete withdrawal.

Discussions grew heated at points, prompting American mediators to intervene multiple times to redirect the conversation. While the opening atmosphere was discouraging, conditions improved following US intervention, which sought to first establish a security agreement before addressing other matters.

American Strategy

The US administration views progress as significant precisely because negotiations have moved beyond ceasefire arrangements toward a "security agreement" framework. Washington is exploring long-term security arrangements, specifically seeking an "actual ceasefire" paired with a "real" commitment from Hezbollah.

Military Operations Continue

The Israeli military has maintained independent operations throughout the negotiations, unconnected to diplomatic progress. Airstrikes have targeted towns across southern Lebanon following warnings issued by Israeli military spokesman Avichai Adraee, particularly affecting residents of Tyre and surrounding municipalities.

Raids intensified on Nabatieh and its district towns. Israeli aircraft directly struck the Health Authority–Civil Defense Center in Harouf, Nabatieh District, killing three paramedics and critically injuring a fourth. The facility was completely destroyed. Additional strikes hit Tyre, including at the Battle Junction on the city's northern entrance and the city center.

As of May 15, 2026, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 2,951 deaths and 8,988 wounded since the escalation began.