Reuters: Israel supports U.S. President Donald Trump decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, but the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Wednesday. The office stated Israel backed the U.S. move on the condition that Tehran immediately reopen the strait and halt attacks against the United States, Israel, and regional countries.
The announcement follows Washington’s decision to pause attacks on Iran for two weeks in an effort to de-escalate tensions and allow space for negotiations. Israel also expressed support for U.S. efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile, or security threat to the U.S., Israel, and its regional allies. Iran confirmed that negotiations with the U.S. will begin on Friday, April 10 in Islamabad.
Two White House officials said Israel agreed to the ceasefire and to suspend its bombing campaign. However, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the agreement included a halt to Israel’s campaign in Lebanon.
The Israeli offensive in Lebanon has killed at least 1,500 people and displaced around 1.2 million. Lebanon became involved in the conflict after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of Iran, following earlier strikes by the U.S. and Israel.
