Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks, stressing at the same time that the ceasefire does not include Lebanese Hezbollah.Netanyahu’s statements represent the first Israeli response to the ceasefire announcement between the United States and Iran, which aims to create a temporary cessation of hostilities and open a window for negotiations. Israeli media, cited by the AP, reported that the prime minister supported the US move but maintained key operational distinctions, especially regarding ongoing regional theaters.
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Israel said in an official statement, “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks on the condition that Iran immediately opens the straits and stops all attacks on the United States, Israel, and countries in the region.” The statement reflects compatibility with Washington’s conditions, especially the demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Israel also reiterated its long-standing concerns about Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities. “Israel also supports American efforts to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile, and terrorist threat to America, Israel, Iran’s Arab neighbors, and the world,” the statement read, noting that broader strategic goals remain unchanged despite the pause.
The statement further noted that the United States assured Israel that these goals, shared by the United States, Israel and regional allies, will be pursued in upcoming negotiations with Iran, indicating continued coordination among allies during the diplomatic process.Crucially, Israel made clear that “the two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon,” indicating that hostilities associated with this front may continue even as the United States and Iran move toward a limited de-escalation.It contradicts Iran’s 10-point peace proposal, in which Tehran calls for a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, in order to reach a ceasefire. The response comes amid a fragile ceasefire framework, as both Washington and Tehran have expressed a conditional willingness to cease hostilities. However, ongoing tensions across the region and different interpretations of the terms of the truce indicate that the situation remains uncertain.
