Washington Announces a 45-Day Extension of the Ceasefire Between Lebanon and Israel, Sets Date for New Negotiations

The US State Department announced on Friday, May 15, 2026, a 45-day extension of the current ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. An official statement from the State Department reported that June 2nd and 3rd have been set as the dates for the fourth round of direct negotiations between the two parties to discuss comprehensive de-escalation files. The statement also revealed the launch of a "joint security track" on May 29, involving high-level military delegations from both sides to discuss field arrangements. These diplomatic moves aim to contain the situation following a recent wave of severe escalation in Lebanon that resulted in dozens of civilian casualties.