Defeat from the jaws of victory: Israel reacts to Trump’s Iran ceasefire

Following a two-week ceasefire in the war on Iran brokered by the US and Pakistan, Israel faces a weakened position, according to analysts. Announced by US President Donald Trump in April 2026, the ceasefire leaves Iran standing, despite Israel's military actions. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the US decision, claiming Iran no longer poses a significant threat, he asserts the ceasefire doesn't extend to Israel's conflict with Lebanon. This stance has drawn strong criticism from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who calls the ceasefire a political disaster, accusing Netanyahu of failing strategically and politically. Other Israeli figures have also criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation and communication regarding the ceasefire.

Following a US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8, 2026, Israel continued its military operations in southern Lebanon, despite claims the truce should extend to the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the US-Iran agreement did not apply to Israel's conflict with Hezbollah. While sources close to Hezbollah told Reuters the group had paused attacks in line with the truce, Israel renewed strikes and urged evacuations in parts of Beirut. The US-Iran ceasefire, intended to halt a six-week war, was announced shortly before a US deadline and was mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Lebanese government reported it had not received official communication regarding a ceasefire that included Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated Israel supports the United States' decision to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks. This announcement follows Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's claim of a broader ceasefire agreement between the US, Iran, and their allies, encompassing Lebanon. However, Netanyahu clarified that the US informed Israel the two-week truce specifically "does not include Lebanon." Netanyahu expressed support for US President Donald Trump's efforts to address Iran's nuclear, missile, and terror threats, stating the US remains committed to these goals during upcoming negotiations in Pakistan. The situation remains developing, with conflicting reports regarding the scope of the ceasefire.

The US and Iran have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, effective immediately. The agreement allows shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil exports. This follows coordinated attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, and threats from President Trump if the Strait remained closed. In exchange for reopening the Strait, Trump agreed to suspend attacks on Iran, claiming military objectives were met. Iran issued a 10-point plan including a complete cessation of war in multiple countries, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and compensation for reconstruction. While the ceasefire is said to extend to Lebanon, there is no confirmation of Israel halting operations there.

Despite a ceasefire announcement brokered by Donald Trump between the US and Iran, Israel has stated it will continue its military operations in Lebanon. The Israeli Prime Minister's office clarified that the ceasefire, intended to pause strikes against Iran for two weeks, does not extend to Lebanon. This contradicts claims from Pakistan, which mediated the agreement, that the ceasefire included Lebanon. The Israeli military is continuing operations against Hezbollah and has ordered civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate. While Trump's ceasefire announcement focused on Iran, it did not mention Lebanon, leaving the status of Israeli attacks there uncertain. Israel maintains that the conflict in Lebanon is separate and will continue despite any agreements with Iran.