Israel has backed US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military strikes on Iran, though it clarified that the temporary ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon.
The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, shortly before a deadline set by Trump for potential military action expired.
Tehran stated it would ensure safe passage for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz during the truce, adding that the pause would allow for fresh negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the conflict. Talks are expected to begin on Friday in Pakistan.
“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 office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
Israel also reiterated its support for efforts to prevent Iran from posing what it described as a nuclear, missile and terror threat.
However, the Israeli government stressed that the ceasefire “does not include Lebanon”, contradicting earlier remarks by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had suggested the agreement covered all fronts, including Lebanon.
The conflict extended to Lebanon after the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, prompting a military response that included ground operations and airstrikes.
Authorities say the fighting in Lebanon has resulted in over 1,500 deaths.
Israel, which has long viewed Iran as a major adversary, had previously urged the United States to take a more active role in the conflict.