He is not as broad as he seemed. Israel has confirmed that it respects the two-week truce announced by Donald Trump, but has introduced a key nuance that redefines its scope: the agreement does not include Lebanon.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, The Israeli Government has assured that it “supports Washington’s decision” to suspend the attacks, always under clear conditions. Among them, that Iran open the straits – in reference to Hormuz – and cease its operations in the region.
However, the most relevant point is not what it supports, but what it excludes.
A truce… but partial
Israel has been blunt: the ceasefire “does not include Lebanon.” That is, while the United States and Iran open a negotiation window, one of the main conflict scenarios remains active.
The statement directly contradicts the version offered by Pakistan, mediator in the agreement, whose prime minister, Shehbaz Sharifhad assured that the truce covered all fronts.
That difference is not minor. It defines how far the de-escalation really goes.
The front that doesn’t stop
Lebanon has become a focal point of the war since late February, when Hezbollah – an ally of Iran – launched attacks against Israel in response to the joint offensive of Washington y Tel Aviv on Iranian territory.
Since then, the Israeli response has been forceful. Aerial bombardments, ground operations and constant pressure on southern Lebanon have marked the evolution of the conflict in that area.
The figures reflect the intensity: more than 1,500 dead and nearly 4,800 injured.
No changes in strategy
Israel’s message makes it clear that its position does not change despite to the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The Government insists that its priority remains neutralizing any threat linked to Tehran in the region, especially through groups such as Hezbollah.
Furthermore, remember that Washington remains committed to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and with curbing its influence in the Middle East.
That is, the truce does not alter its strategic objectives.
A negotiation with limits
While the scenario on the ground is more complex than the initial announcement suggests.
The ceasefire exists, but not on all fronts. The war continues in Lebanon, one of the most sensitive points of the conflict, and it does so outside the main truce.
The nuance that changes everything
Israel’s clarification introduces a key idea: there is not a total pause, but a selective one.
The agreement reduces tension between Washington and Tehran, but it does not stop the conflict as a whole. And that makes these two weeks an uncertain period, in which negotiation and war coexist.
Because, although the ceasefire is underway, it is not everywhere.
