Israel has backed a US-led decision to pause military action against Iran for 14 days, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clarified that this ceasefire will not apply to Lebanon or the militant group Hezbollah.
The temporary pause, announced by former US President Donald Trump, is aimed at easing rising tensions in the region and creating room for diplomatic talks. Israel agreed to the move, seeing it as an opportunity to avoid a wider conflict with Iran. However, Netanyahu stressed that the agreement is limited and does not cover all fronts.
According to Israeli officials, the ceasefire applies only to direct conflict with Iran. Military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue, as Israel considers the group an immediate and ongoing threat to its security, especially along its northern border.
There has been some confusion internationally about the scope of the deal. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was involved in mediation efforts, suggested that Lebanon would also be part of the ceasefire. Israel, however, has firmly rejected this interpretation, maintaining that its actions in Lebanon are separate from the Iran agreement.
On the ground, tensions remain high in southern Lebanon. Israeli strikes have continued, and although there are reports that Hezbollah may have slowed some of its attacks, the situation is still volatile. Civilians in the region continue to face uncertainty, with displacement and damage reported in affected areas.
