Israel's Concerns Over US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement Amid Ongoing Strikes
Israel's Reaction to the Ceasefire Deal
Israel has voiced its apprehensions regarding the recent ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, primarily due to its exclusion from the discussions leading up to the deal, as reported by a major news outlet. The ceasefire, which was announced early Wednesday, came just before the expiration of a critical warning from former President Donald Trump regarding potential catastrophic consequences.
As part of the ceasefire, Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could help stabilize global energy markets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for the US decision to pause military actions against Iran for two weeks, but he clarified that this agreement does not apply to Lebanon.
Netanyahu stated on social media, “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, contingent upon Iran reopening the straits and ceasing all attacks on the US, Israel, and neighboring countries.” He further noted that the ceasefire is limited and does not encompass Lebanon.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries, which has sparked significant backlash from Iran. Tehran has indicated that it may withdraw from the ceasefire if Israeli assaults persist.
While the ceasefire initially raised hopes for improved maritime security with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, reports indicate that tanker traffic has been halted again due to ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Earlier, Trump expressed his support for Israel's military actions, emphasizing that Hezbollah was not part of the ceasefire agreement. He stated, “They were not included in the deal,” when questioned about the continued targeting of Lebanon despite the truce. He added, “It’s part of the deal, everyone knows that. That’s a separate skirmish.”