Israel unhappy with lack of input on US-Iran ceasefire, was only told at late stage, opposes inclusion of Lebanon in terms – report

Israeli officials were dissatisfied with the very late notice they received ahead of yesterday’s US-announced ceasefire agreement, the lack of consultation, and specific elements of the deal, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing mediators and a source familiar with the matter.

According to the report, Israel was only informed at a late stage that the deal had been finalized. “The extent of the consultation was President Trump calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly before the cease-fire was announced,” the Journal reports, citing a White House official. Netanyahu then agreed to participate, it says.

Netanyahu’s office does not immediately respond to a request for comment. An Israeli official said yesterday that the US had “coordinated in advance” with Israel on the “temporary ceasefire.”

Mediators reportedly say Israel objected to aspects of the agreement, the Journal says, notably the inclusion of Lebanon, which Israel considers a separate arena from Iran.

Four hours after Trump’s announcement, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire, while stressing that it does not cover Lebanon despite Pakistani mediators’ claims to the contrary.

Similarly, the IDF said that it had halted strikes on Iran, but that it “continues fighting against the Hezbollah terror organization in Lebanon.”