Israel and Lebanon clapped for the extension of the truce, after two days of intense negotiations in the US
Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend the ceasefire agreement by 45 days after two days of negotiations in Washington, according to the announcement made by the US State Department on Friday, which the Lebanese side opened as a step towards “lasting stability”, according to AFP and BBC.
“We hope these discussions will promote lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and the establishment of real security along our shared border,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Israel's ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, said the talks in Washington were “sincere and constructive”.
In an implicit rebuke to Hezbollah, which has joined the Middle East war in support of Iran, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said his country was “fed up” with “reckless” wars that serve foreign projects or interests, and that the Lebanese army should be the only armed entity in the country
He requested the support of the Arab states and the international community in the negotiations with Israel.
Attacks reported almost daily
Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the Iranian-aligned Lebanese Shiite militia, have continued to attack despite a cease-fire announced by US President Donald Trump on March 16.
Israel has stepped up its air and artillery strikes in recent days, particularly in southern Lebanon, which it says is targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure.
Lebanon's health ministry has accused Israel of targeting civilians and paramedics, allegations Israel denies.
The Israeli military has said it wants to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to prevent possible Hezbollah attacks. In those areas, entire villages were destroyed, with tactics similar to those used by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. Human rights groups say some of the actions constitute war crimes, charges Israel denies.
Hezbollah has attacked Israeli troops in Lebanon and northern Israel.
