Israel Supports US-Iran Ceasefire, Excludes Lebanon
Israel endorses the US-Iran two-week ceasefire but clarifies it does not apply to Lebanon, drawing criticism from opposition leaders.
Israel has expressed support for the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, announced by US President Donald Trump. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office clarified that the truce does not extend to Lebanon.
In a statement, Netanyahu's office said, "Israel supports President Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel, and countries in the region." The statement further emphasized that the ceasefire "does not include Lebanon."
This position has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli opposition leaders. Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid party, described the situation as "a political and strategic failure," accusing Netanyahu of sidelining Israel from crucial national security decisions.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered with mediation from Pakistan, aims to halt hostilities that have escalated in recent weeks. Despite the truce, Israel's stance indicates that military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue.
The international community has welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire, urging all parties to commit fully to the agreement and work towards lasting peace in the Middle East.