Israel will restrict its military operations in Lebanon at the request of U.S. authorities to avoid disrupting ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal published April 9.
The report states that U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that while Israel has a right to defend itself against Hezbollah militants, it must also support a cease-fire by reducing attacks in Lebanon. Randa Slim, director of the Middle East program at the Stimson Center think tank, emphasized that curtailing Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon is a necessary condition for initiating peace negotiations.
Trump expressed concern that ongoing hostilities could undermine the ceasefire and impede efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz—a matter of significant concern for both Iran and Pakistan. Lebanese officials have confirmed their interest in pursuing lasting peace but demand an immediate end to Israeli airstrikes, which intensified following Israel’s recent truce with Iran.
Despite the current truce violation, mediators are preparing talks in Islamabad on April 11. The Wall Street Journal noted that Israeli authorities remain unhappy not only with the U.S.-Iran ceasefire decision but also with the necessity for Tel Aviv to consider a truce. According to the report, Iran will participate in negotiations in Pakistan only if attacks on Lebanon cease entirely. Additionally, the Iranian side has indicated it may withdraw its commitment to open the Strait of Hormuz.
On April 9, Iranian President Masoud Peseshkian stated that Israeli strikes on Lebanon violate the ceasefire agreement and described them as a “dangerous sign of deception and lack of commitment” to potential agreements.
