The US State Department said new negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement would be held on June 2 and 3, while the Pentagon is expected to host military-level discussions between both countries on May 29.
Lebanon’s delegation described the extension as an opportunity to provide “critical breathing room” for civilians and advance efforts toward long-term stability.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam indirectly criticised Hezbollah, saying Lebanon had suffered enough from “reckless adventures serving foreign projects or interests”.
Despite the extension, violence continued on the ground. Israeli strikes targeted areas in southern Lebanon shortly after the announcement, including a health centre linked to Hezbollah in Hanuf, where Lebanese authorities said six people were killed, including three paramedics.
Israeli forces also launched strikes in the southern city of Tyre following evacuation warnings, while Hezbollah claimed it carried out drone attacks on Israeli barracks in Kiryat Shmona.
Lebanon’s health ministry said strikes in the Tyre district injured at least 37 people, including hospital workers, women and children.
Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, said Israel’s priority remained national security but expressed optimism about the diplomatic process.
The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in March following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, drawing Lebanon deeper into the wider Middle East war involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks since then have killed more than 2,900 people in Lebanon, including over 400 deaths reported after the ceasefire initially took effect in April.
The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, described the humanitarian situation as deeply alarming and called for diplomacy to halt the violence and civilian suffering.
