Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on 8/4 that Israel supports President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily halt attacks against Iran for two weeks. This support is conditional on Iran immediately opening the Strait of Hormuz and ceasing all attacks on the US, Israel, and regional states. This statement came hours after the White House announcement.

Israel supports US efforts to ensure Iran "no longer poses a nuclear or missile threat" to the US, Israel, neighboring Arab countries, and the world.

The statement added that the US has assured Israel of its commitment to achieving these goals in upcoming negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a press conference in Jerusalem on 19/3. Photo: AFP

However, Israel stated that the two-week ceasefire agreement does not include Lebanon, where it is engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

This statement contradicts an earlier announcement by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated in the conflict. Sharif had claimed that the US and its allies agreed to a ceasefire "everywhere, including Lebanon." Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have not yet issued a response.

Israel and Hezbollah previously reached a ceasefire in 2024. However, after Israel killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28/2, Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets toward Israel. In response, Israel sent troops deeper into Lebanon.

The conflict has resulted in over 1,500 fatalities in Lebanon and displaced over one million people within the country.

Location of Israel and Hezbollah. Graphic: RANE

The US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, during which Tehran will permit vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz "with coordination from armed forces."

According to the US President, the decision was made because the US had achieved all its military objectives and was nearing a final agreement for lasting peace with Iran and stability in the Middle East.

However, Iran's Supreme National Security Council stated that this does not signify "hostilities have ended," adding that Iran remains in a state of combat readiness. Tehran also warned that any "slightest mistake" by the adversary would be met with "the full force of our response."

By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Times of Israel, CNN)