Israel, Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire, hold new talks

Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire and hold new talks on a political settlement, the US announced on Friday, even as Israel carried out new strikes that it insists are not subject to the truce.

Israel has been pounding Lebanon and invaded its south in response to fire from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia movement that is not part of the ceasefire diplomacy.

Envoys from Israel and Lebanon’s government, which has struggled to restrain Hezbollah, met for two days in Washington and said they would extend the ceasefire that was set to expire on Sunday.

The cessation of hostilities “will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress”, US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.

He said that the State Department would hold negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement on June 2 and 3 and that the Pentagon would bring together delegations from the countries’ militaries on May 29.

The US steadfastly backs Israel, with which it attacked Iran on February 28, but has also gently voiced unease about Israeli troops’ control of southern Lebanon.