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Israel Backs US Iran Strike Pause, Says Ceasefire Excludes Lebanon

The United States announced a conditional two-week pause in planned military strikes against Iran, linking the move to efforts to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Israel expressed support for the US decision but clarified that the proposed ceasefire arrangement explicitly does not extend to Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran would halt military operations if attacks against it cease, outlining conditions for safe passage through the strait. The deal followed intense diplomacy, with President Donald Trump speaking directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir.

Key Points: Israel Supports US Iran Strike Pause, Excludes Lebanon

  • US announces conditional two-week pause on Iran strikes
  • Deal aims to reopen Strait of Hormuz
  • Israel supports pause but excludes Lebanon
  • Iran signals tentative acceptance of terms
  • Backchannel diplomacy involved Pakistan
2 min read

Israel backs US pause on Iran strikes, says ceasefire deal 'does not include' Lebanon

Israel supports US two-week pause on Iran strikes, clarifies ceasefire does not include Lebanon. Details on Trump's deal involving Strait of Hormuz.

"Israel supports President Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks - Benjamin Netanyahu's office"

Tel Aviv, April 8

Israel on Wednesday expressed support for the United States decision to suspend military action against Iran, while clarifying that the proposed two-week ceasefire arrangement does not extend to Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump stepped back from the brink of a major military escalation with Iran by announcing a conditional two-week pause in planned strikes, linking the move to efforts aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The development has brought significant relief amid rising global concerns over a potential conflict in the region.

The decision was taken just 90 minutes before Trump's self-imposed 8 p.m. EST deadline for Iran to agree to terms, following intense backchannel diplomatic efforts that reportedly involved Pakistan.

Iran signalled tentative acceptance of the proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran would halt its military operations if attacks against it cease.

"For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations," he said, outlining the conditions tied to the arrangement.

In a statement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "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 statement further emphasised Israel's alignment with Washington's broader strategic objectives.

"Israel also supports the US effort to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran's Arab neighbours, and the world," it read.

"The United States has told Israel that it is committed to achieving these goals, shared by the US, Israel and Israel's regional allies, in the upcoming negotiations. The two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon," it added, clearly underlining the limited scope of the arrangement to Iran.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official told IANS that Trump had spoken directly with Netanyahu as part of efforts to finalise the ceasefire framework with Iran.

The official also revealed that Trump held discussions with Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir regarding the evolving situation. "President Trump spoke with PM Netanyahu and the Pakistani Field Marshal to close the deal," the senior administration official said, without providing further details on the discussions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Pakistan's role mentioned here. As an Indian, I watch this with concern. Any instability in the Gulf affects our energy security and the safety of our diaspora. A full-scale conflict would be disastrous for the global economy. Cautious optimism is the only way.
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Rohit P
Good move by Trump to step back. War helps no one. But Israel's clarification about Lebanon is crucial. The situation there is a different kettle of fish. India has vital interests in the region—from oil to our large community. We need peace, not another forever war.
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Ananya R
While de-escalation is welcome, let's be honest. This feels like a short-term political fix before elections. The core issues—Iran's nuclear ambitions, proxy wars—remain unaddressed. The statement about "shared goals" sounds good on paper, but will it translate to action?
K
Karthik V
Strait of Hormuz is the lifeline for oil. Any disruption and petrol prices in India will shoot through the roof. This pause is a relief for our economy. Hope the negotiators use these two weeks wisely. India should also quietly use its diplomatic channels to advocate for calm.
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Priya S
The human cost of any conflict is unbearable. Glad cooler heads seem to be prevailing, for now. As an Indian, my heart goes out to all the ordinary people in the region who just want to live in peace. Diplomacy, not drones, is the only way forward.

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