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U.S. Extends Lebanon–Israel Ceasefire by 45 Days,
Launches Parallel Diplomatic and Security Tracks
After two days of highly productive talks hosted in Washington, the United States has extended the April 16 cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. A political track reconvenes at the State Department in June, while a new security track opens at the Pentagon on May 29 — as Lebanese politician Fouad Makhzoumi declares the era of weapons outside state control is over.
On May 14 and 15, the United States hosted two days of highly productive talks between Israel and Lebanon — a diplomatic breakthrough that the State Department described as foundational to a lasting peace between the two neighboring countries. The outcome: a 45-day extension of the April 16 cessation of hostilities, buying time for parallel tracks of negotiation to take shape.
On May 14 and 15, the United States hosted two days of highly-productive talks between Israel and Lebanon. The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress. The State Department will reconvene the political track of negotiations on June 2 and June 3. In addition, a security track will be launched at the Pentagon on May 29 with military delegations from both countries. We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing genuine security along their shared border.
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April 16, 2026Original cessation of hostilities takes effect between Israel and Lebanon.
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May 14–15, 2026U.S. hosts two days of talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations.Washington D.C.
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May 29, 2026Security track launches with military delegations from both countries.The Pentagon, Washington D.C.
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June 2–3, 2026Political track of negotiations reconvenes under U.S. sponsorship.U.S. State Department, Washington D.C.
Lebanese businessman and politician Fouad Makhzoumi welcomed the announcement with a sweeping statement that framed the development as a historic turning point in Lebanon’s long struggle for genuine state authority.
“The era of weapons outside the state’s control has ended, and the era of restoring Lebanon’s full sovereignty has begun.”
— Fouad Makhzoumi · @fmakhzoumiMakhzoumi described the 45-day extension and the dual-track launch under American sponsorship as an “advanced step” on the path to consolidating Lebanese state sovereignty. He specifically highlighted the strengthening of the Lebanese Army as the sole reference for protecting borders, land, and people — a long-standing demand of Lebanon’s sovereignty movement.
“Extending the ceasefire for 45 days, and launching the political and security tracks under American sponsorship and guarantee in Washington, constitute an advanced step on the path to consolidating Lebanese state sovereignty, strengthening the role of the Lebanese Army as the sole reference for protecting the borders, the land, and the people.”
He also emphasized the humanitarian dimension of the agreement — the safe and dignified return of displaced southerners, the start of reconstruction, and the recovery of detainees and the remains of the martyrs.
On the role of Washington as guarantor, Makhzoumi was explicit in his praise: the American presence is not peripheral but essential — providing the credibility needed to ensure commitments are upheld and negotiations advance toward outcomes that are both effective and sustainable.
“Serious diplomacy, institutional action, and a scientific and strategic approach are the only way to protect Lebanon and extricate it from the whirlpools of wars and destruction.”
— Fouad Makhzoumi · @fmakhzoumiMakhzoumi used the moment to reaffirm a principle he has long championed: that Lebanon must become a strong, sovereign, free state in which the decision of war and peace belongs exclusively to the legitimate state — and where weapons are confined solely to the hands of Lebanese legitimacy.
“We have always called for the establishment of a strong, sovereign, free state that monopolizes the decision of war and peace, where weapons are confined solely to the hands of Lebanese legitimacy, including the end of all manifestations of weapons outside the framework of the state.”
He closed by extending congratulations to President Joseph Aoun, the Prime Minister, and the Lebanese negotiating delegation, calling the path they have chosen “brave and responsible” — one that returns Lebanon to the logic of the state and lays the foundation for a new phase of peace, stability, reconstruction, and future-building.
Original source
𝕏 x.com/fmakhzoumi/status/2055556789077213497
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