Netanyahu Endorses US-Iran Ceasefire, Excludes Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Backs Ceasefire Agreement
Tel Aviv: On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. However, he clarified that this ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon. In a post on X, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that the ceasefire would also halt hostilities in Lebanon.
Netanyahu's office stated, "Israel endorses President Trump's decision to pause military actions against Iran for two weeks, contingent upon Iran's immediate reopening of the straits and cessation of all attacks on the US, Israel, and regional nations." The Israeli PM's office further praised the US efforts to mitigate Iran's nuclear, missile, and terror threats to the US, Israel, and its Arab neighbors.
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Netanyahu emphasized that the US aims to achieve shared objectives with its allies, including Israel, during the upcoming discussions set to take place in Islamabad. He reiterated that the two-week ceasefire does not encompass Lebanon.
It is noteworthy that Israel has initiated a military operation in Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah group following the escalation of tensions.
Shehbaz Sharif's Response to the Ceasefire:
Shortly after Trump's announcement, Sharif invited US and Iranian officials to Islamabad for discussions aimed at establishing a permanent agreement. He asserted that the ceasefire would also apply to Lebanon. In his post on X, he stated, "With great humility, I am pleased to announce that Iran and the US, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY."
According to Sharif, peace talks in Islamabad are set to commence on April 10. He expressed gratitude towards the leadership of both nations and invited their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026, to negotiate a conclusive agreement.
"Both parties have shown remarkable wisdom and understanding, remaining constructively engaged in promoting peace and stability. We sincerely hope that the 'Islamabad Talks' will succeed in achieving lasting peace and look forward to sharing more positive developments in the days ahead!" he added.
Trump's Ceasefire Declaration:
Trump announced the ceasefire on his Truth Social account on Tuesday evening, stating, "Based on discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, who requested that I refrain from deploying destructive forces to Iran, contingent upon Iran's agreement to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz," he said. "I agree to suspend the bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks," Trump confirmed, adding that a mutual ceasefire would be in effect.
Iran's Reaction:
In Tehran, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced its acceptance of a two-week ceasefire in the conflict, stating that negotiations with the US would commence in Islamabad starting Friday.