Israel has clarified that the newly announced two-week ceasefire with Iran does not extend to Lebanon, indicating that military operations against Hezbollah and related targets will continue despite broader regional de-escalation efforts.
Four hours after the ceasefire announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released an English-language statement welcoming the pause in hostilities with Iran while explicitly stating that the agreement “does not include Lebanon.”
The clarification came after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly said the ceasefire applied across the region, including Lebanon, creating confusion over the scope of the truce.
Statement Signals Diverging Interpretations
Netanyahu’s delayed statement appeared to directly contradict Sharif’s characterization and offered Israel’s clearest indication yet that it intends to separate the Iran ceasefire from its Lebanon campaign.
Observers noted that the statement was issued only in English, suggesting it targeted international audiences, particularly Washington and foreign media, rather than the Israeli public.
The messaging underscores Israel’s effort to define the ceasefire narrowly while preserving operational freedom against Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon.
Lebanon Campaign Expected to Continue
Israeli officials have repeatedly signaled plans to maintain pressure on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Recent statements from senior Israeli leaders have reinforced that position, with Defence Minister officials discussing an expanded security zone and coalition figures calling for deeper Israeli control near the Litani River.
Analysts say the latest statement indicates Israel views the ceasefire as limited to the direct Iran front and not as a broader regional settlement.
As a result, military operations in Lebanon are expected to continue even as diplomatic efforts seek to stabilize the wider conflict.
