US: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties

The US Department of State has released a statement regarding the 10-day ceasefire process expected to take effect between Israel and Lebanon. The Department announced that, following the positive results of the meetings held in the capital, Washington D.C., on April 14, the parties have decided to cooperate in taking steps toward achieving lasting peace and recognizing each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement addressed non-state armed groups in the region, emphasizing that under the ceasefire, the only entities authorized to carry weapons within Lebanese borders will be the Lebanese security forces. The statement noted, "Israel and Lebanon confirm that there is no war between the two countries and, with the mediation of the US, express their commitment to entering into direct, good-faith negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement that will ensure lasting security, stability, and peace between the parties."

In this context, the statement listed the 6 points that the US envisions for the agreed-upon ceasefire process as follows:

" 1. To prepare the ground for good-faith negotiations toward a lasting security and peace agreement, and as a gesture of goodwill by the Government of Israel, Israel and Lebanon will implement a ceasefire that will begin as of 17:00 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 16, 2026 (00:00 TRT) and will last for ten days in the first instance.

2. This initial period may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, provided that progress is made in the negotiations and Lebanon demonstrates that it can effectively establish its sovereignty.

3. Israel will reserve the right to take all necessary measures in self-defense at any time against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. This right will not be hindered by the ceasefire. Apart from this, Israel will not carry out any military activity in the form of attacks against civilian, military, or other state targets on Lebanese territory with its land, air, and naval assets.

4. As of the hour the ceasefire takes effect, the Lebanese government, with international support, will take concrete steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other non-state armed groups from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities from Lebanese territory against Israel.

5. All parties acknowledge that the Lebanese security forces are responsible for Lebanon's sovereignty and national defense; no country or entity can claim to be the guarantor of Lebanon's sovereignty.

6. Israel and Lebanon request that the US facilitate direct negotiations between the two countries with the goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the determination of the international land border."

"International initiatives to support Lebanon are planned to be led"

The Department stated that it expects these commitments to be accepted by Israel and Lebanon simultaneously with this announcement, adding, "These commitments are intended to establish the necessary foundation for good-faith negotiations toward lasting peace and security. The US also plans to lead international initiatives to provide support to Lebanon as part of its broader efforts to increase stability and prosperity in the region."

News Source: 12punto