Jerusalem [Israel], April 8 (ANI): Israel has expressed support for the US decision to suspend strikes against Iran, as both countries move toward negotiating a long-term peace framework.
In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel, and countries in the region.”
The statement added that Israel supports US efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile, or security threat to the United States, Israel, its regional neighbors, and the broader international community.
However, Israel said its military operations in southern Lebanon will continue, specifically targeting Hezbollah.
“The United States has told Israel that it is committed to achieving these goals, shared by the US, Israel, and regional allies, in the upcoming negotiations. The two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon,” the statement said.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of the “bombing and attack” campaign on Iran, declaring a double-sided ceasefire and describing Iran’s 10-point proposal as a workable basis for negotiations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided ceasefire.”
He added that the United States had achieved most of its military objectives and was progressing toward a broader peace agreement in the Middle East.
“We received a 10-point proposal from Iran and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate,” Trump said.
Iran subsequently accepted the US proposal, agreeing to a two-week pause in military operations and to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would cease its operations if it is not attacked.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our armed forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s armed forces,” he said.
With all sides agreeing to a temporary pause, the development has raised hopes that the conflict, which began on March 28, could move toward de-escalation and eventual resolution in West Asia. (ANI)
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