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Israel has expressed support for a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, but clarified that the temporary truce does not apply to Lebanon, contradicting earlier statements from regional mediators that suggested otherwise.
The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions following weeks of heightened conflict across the Middle East.
In an official statement released on April 8, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel backs the decision by Donald Trump to pause military strikes against Iran for two weeks.
According to the statement, Israel’s support is conditional on Iran meeting specific requirements, particularly stopping attacks and reopening key maritime routes.
“Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks,” the statement said.
Israel further emphasized that Iran must immediately stop attacks targeting the United States, Israel, and other countries in the region, while also ensuring safe passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The two-week pause is intended to create space for negotiations aimed at preventing further escalation and stabilizing the region.
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Israel: Ceasefire Does Not Cover Lebanon
Despite supporting the ceasefire framework, Israel made it clear that the arrangement does not extend to Lebanon, a point that directly contradicts earlier claims from Pakistani officials who suggested the ceasefire covered all fronts.
“The two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon,” Israel stated, stressing its position on the scope of the truce.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister had previously indicated that the ceasefire applied “everywhere,” including Lebanon, creating confusion about the agreement’s geographic reach.
The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions involving Lebanon, where armed groups have previously launched attacks on Israel, drawing the country into the broader regional conflict.
U.S. and Iran Agree to Temporary Pause
The ceasefire was announced after intense negotiations involving multiple regional actors, including Pakistan, which played a key mediating role.
Under the arrangement, Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, and halt certain military actions during the two weeks.
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The pause came just hours before a planned escalation of U.S. strikes against Iran, signaling a major shift toward diplomacy.
Iran’s leadership has confirmed that negotiations with the United States are expected to continue during the truce, with talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad.
Shared Goal: Limiting Iran’s Military Threat
Israel also highlighted its support for U.S. efforts aimed at limiting Iran’s military capabilities.
According to the Israeli statement, both countries share a strategic objective to ensure that Iran no longer poses threats linked to nuclear weapons, missile development, or regional militancy.
Israel supports U.S. efforts to ensure that “Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat” to the United States, Israel, and regional allies.
Washington has reportedly reassured Israel that upcoming negotiations with Iran will focus on achieving these shared security goals.
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Photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. PHOTO/Whitehouse