Lebanon and Israel on Friday extended a truce for 45 days despite a fresh outbreak of violence, the US State Department said after mediation talks.
"The April 16 ceasefire will be extended by 45 days to allow for further progress." said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.
He said the State Department will hold negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement on June 2 and 3, and that the Pentagon will convene delegations from the countries’ militaries on May 29.
"We hope that these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of real security along their common border." Pigott said.
The ceasefire, already extended, was due to end on Sunday.
The United States, Israel and Lebanon consider the cease-fire in force despite continued violence, with Israel again striking targets in Lebanon during the talks.
Israel says it will continue to target Hezbollah, the Shiite group whose fire in Israel in solidarity with Iran sparked the cross-border conflict and which is not participating in the Washington talks.
