Israel supports US President Donald Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, but said the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday.
The office said Israel backed the US move provided Tehran immediately opens the straits and stops attacks against the United States, Israel and countries in the region.
The remarks came after Washington announced a two-week suspension of strikes against Iran as part of efforts to de-escalate the conflict and open a window for negotiations.
Israel also said it supports US efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile or "terror" threat to US, Israel and Iran's Arab neighbours, adding that Washington had told Israel it was committed to achieving their shared goals in upcoming negotiations.
Israel’s stance differs from a statement issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a role in mediating the agreement between the US and Iran, and had indicated that Lebanon was included in the deal.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump did not mention Lebanon in his remarks. CNN has requested clarification from the White House. The comments from Netanyahu’s office mark the first response from Israel’s leadership since the ceasefire was announced.
Iran said on Wednesday negotiations with the US would begin on Friday, April 10 in Islamabad.
