U.S. says 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire could be extended
- Apr 17
- 1 min read
WASHINGTON, April 16 — A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon could be extended by mutual agreement, while Israel retains the right to take what the United States described as necessary self-defense measures during the truce.
The six-point memorandum of understanding is due to take effect at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday.
The statement describes the initial ceasefire as a gesture intended to enable negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement between the two countries.
Under the terms outlined by the U.S. State Department, Israel would retain the right to respond to planned, imminent or ongoing attacks, while refraining from offensive military operations against Lebanese civilian, military and other state targets by land, air and sea.
The ceasefire may be extended if Israel and Lebanon agree and if progress is made in negotiations.
The statement also says that, with international support, the Lebanese government would take steps from April 16 to prevent Hezbollah and other armed non-state groups from carrying out attacks or hostile activities against Israeli targets.
It adds that Lebanon’s security forces have exclusive responsibility for the country’s sovereignty and national defense.
Israel and Lebanon also asked the United States to facilitate further direct negotiations aimed at resolving remaining issues, including the demarcation of the international land boundary, with the goal of reaching a broader agreement on security, stability and peace.
Israel has also said it will not withdraw its forces from Lebanon during the ceasefire.
