Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days after two days of talks in Washington, offering a temporary diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that has continued to claim lives despite the truce. The extension, announced by the US State Department on Friday, will keep the cessation of hostilities in place beyond its original expiry date on Sunday while fresh political and military negotiations continue in the coming weeks.

Lebanon and Israel agreed on Friday to extend a ceasefire by 45 days despite a new flare-up in violence, the US State Department said after mediating talks in Washington.

The cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by 45 days, the U.S. State Department said Friday, adding that Washington will resume political...