Israel has endorsed the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend planned military strikes against Iran, while maintaining that the last-minute ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon.
The United States and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement shortly before Trump’s deadline for military action expired. Under the deal, Tehran agreed to guarantee safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with the pause intended to create room for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. Talks are expected to commence in Pakistan.
In a statement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports the U.S. move on the condition that Iran immediately reopens the strait and halts attacks against the United States, Israel, and other countries in the region.
Israel also reaffirmed its position that Iran must no longer pose what it described as a nuclear, missile, and broader security threat.
However, Israeli authorities clarified that the ceasefire agreement does not apply to Lebanon, contradicting earlier remarks by Shehbaz Sharif, who had suggested the truce would cover all areas, including Lebanon.
Tensions in Lebanon have intensified following rocket attacks by Hezbollah on Israel, which triggered Israeli military operations and airstrikes. Authorities say more than 1,500 people have been killed in the violence.
Israel had earlier urged Trump to take a more direct role in confronting Iran, which it continues to view as a major regional adversary.