Israel and Lebanon are set to hold a second round of talks in Washington aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire that has largely paused fighting with Hezbollah. The ten-day truce, mediated by the United States, is due to expire Sunday, and Lebanon is expected to request a one-month extension as both sides weigh broader negotiations.

Despite a significant drop in violence, clashes have continued in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli troops and launched a suspected drone, while Israel carried out airstrikes it said were meant to prevent imminent threats. Israeli forces remain deployed in a self-declared buffer zone in southern Lebanon and have warned civilians not to return to certain areas.

Israeli officials say there are no serious disagreements with Lebanon and have urged Beirut to act against Hezbollah, which opposes the talks and insists it has the right to resist Israeli forces. Lebanon is seeking not only an extension of the ceasefire but also a halt to Israeli strikes and demolitions, as well as future discussions on border issues, detainees, and a possible Israeli withdrawal.

The renewed diplomacy follows months of hostilities that have killed thousands in Lebanon and dozens in Israel. Both sides are signaling cautious openness to broader negotiations, raising the possibility of a more lasting arrangement after decades of formal hostility.