AiBotTEL AVIV, Israel – A stark contrast in regional ceasefire declarations emerged on Tuesday, with the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office releasing a statement indicating that the two-week truce negotiated between Israel and Gaza-based Hamas does not include Lebanon.
According to sources close to the Israeli government, the decision to exclude Lebanon from the ceasefire is largely attributed to concerns surrounding Iran-backed Hezbollah’s militant activities within the Lebanese territory. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been escalating, with both sides engaging in sporadic cross-border clashes in recent months.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the announced two-week ceasefire is exclusively applicable to the Gaza Strip and Hamas, aiming to curb the surge in violence and restore stability in the region. “This temporary cease of hostilities does not extend to neighboring countries or territories,” a press spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office stated.
In direct contrast, Lebanon’s caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdullah Al Bustraji, revealed during a televised address that his government is working closely with regional powers, including Iran, to negotiate a broader ceasefire agreement involving all parties along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Al Bustraji stressed the need for an inclusive solution that addresses the underlying causes of regional instability.
Hezbollah has, in the past, issued numerous threats against Israel, vowing to “liberate” the disputed Shebaa Farms territory. The militant group maintains close ties with Iran, with many regarding Hezbollah as a proxy force for the Iranian government. Israel, in turn, has repeatedly expressed concerns over the presence of Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon and their threat to national security.
Regional analysts predict that the exclusion of Lebanon from the ceasefire will significantly heighten tensions in the region. As Israeli forces remain on high alert, the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation remains high. Diplomatic efforts to establish an inclusive, region-wide truce agreement continue, with Lebanon and its regional allies urging Israel to reconsider its stance.
A source at the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed that humanitarian officials are concerned about the rising numbers of internally displaced persons in Lebanon and Syria, citing the urgency of securing a comprehensive and lasting truce in the region.
Despite the current uncertainty, diplomats and regional leaders are urging restraint and caution from all parties involved. The situation remains tense, with Israel’s decision to exclude Lebanon from the ceasefire expected to fuel widespread unrest in the days and weeks to come.