Iran-US Ceasefire Not Applicable to Lebanon: Netanyahu

Despite the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that this decision will not apply to Lebanon. His stance has added a new layer of complexity to the already tense situation in the Middle East.

In an official statement released on Wednesday (April 8), Netanyahu’s office stated that the ongoing discussions regarding a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States are strictly limited to those two countries. Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon will not be affected by this agreement.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had claimed that a broader ceasefire agreement had been reached involving the United States, Iran, and their allies, potentially covering Lebanon and other regions. However, Netanyahu’s remarks contradict that claim, highlighting clear differences in interpretation among key stakeholders.

In a message shared on social media, Netanyahu emphasized that both Israel and the United States share a common objective in countering Iran’s potential nuclear and military threats. He also reaffirmed his support for initiatives taken by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are intensifying ahead of the upcoming Islamabad meeting, where discussions are expected to focus on Iran’s proposed peace initiatives and a relatively flexible stance from the United States. However, the overall situation remains uncertain.

Regarding Lebanon, Israel has maintained its firm position, stating that its military operations will continue until border threats—particularly activities by armed groups—are effectively neutralized.

According to the United Nations, the ongoing conflict in Lebanon has already displaced a large number of people, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Recent attacks have also resulted in civilian casualties, raising concerns within the international community.

Overall, the partial implementation of the ceasefire and differing positions among involved parties are creating new challenges for achieving long-term peace in the Middle East, analysts suggest.

Source: Al Jazeera