Lebanon delegation says truce extension, security track open path to 'lasting stability'

Lebanon's negotiating delegation in Washington said on Friday that the extension of the truce with Israel and the establishment of a U.S.-facilitated security track pave the way for "lasting stability".

The truce in the Israel-Hezbollah war was extended for 45 days following the third round of negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli representatives in Washington.

"The Lebanese delegation welcomes today's outcome," it said, in a statement shared by the Lebanese presidency.

"The extension of the ceasefire and the establishment of a U.S.-facilitated security track provide critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforce state institutions, and advance a political pathway toward lasting stability.

"Our objective is to transform the current ceasefire momentum into a comprehensive and lasting agreement that safeguards the dignity, security, and future of the Lebanese people."

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said after the meeting that Washington 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 Lebanese delegation said "a formal political track has been initiated, reflecting Lebanon’s constructive engagement and strengthening prospects for a durable peaceful resolution".

The country now aims to achieve "the full restoration of state authority across all Lebanese territory in order to protect its borders, uphold national sovereignty, and ensure the security of its people".

The truce may be extended further "should the negotiation tracks yield positive result".

The delegation also said its goals include the return of the displaced, reconstruction in the south and the release of Lebanese detainees in Israel.

Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war on March 2 when Tehran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Israeli attacks since then have killed more than 2,900 people in Lebanon, including more than 400 since an April 17 truce took effect, according to Lebanese authorities.

Hezbollah on its end also attacked Israeli targets in Lebanon and northern Israel, saying it is responding to the latter's "violation" of the truce.

The group is strongly opposed to Beirut's direct talks with Israel.

A 2024 ceasefire aiming to end the previous war between Israel and Hezbollah has failed to achieve its objectives.

The delegation said that "to avoid the failures of previous arrangements, Lebanon insists on a phased and verifiable implementation process, supported by the United States, to ensure that all commitments are fulfilled without compromising Lebanese sovereignty".