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Israel has endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend planned military strikes against Iran, while emphasizing that the last-minute ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon.
The United States and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement just before Trump’s deadline for military action expired. Under the arrangement, Tehran pledged to guarantee safe passage for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The pause is intended to allow negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, with talks expected to begin in Pakistan.
In a statement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports the U.S. decision, provided Iran immediately reopens the strait and ceases attacks against the U.S., Israel, and other countries in the region.
Israel also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Iran no longer poses what it described as a nuclear, missile, and security threat. However, it clarified that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon, contradicting earlier remarks by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had suggested the truce would cover all areas, including Lebanon.
Tensions in Lebanon escalated after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli military operations and airstrikes. Authorities report that more than 1,500 people have been killed in the violence.
Israel had previously urged Trump to take a more direct approach in confronting Iran, which it considers a key adversary.
