Israel exposed for unwillingness to back down, hopes the conflict with Iran lasts at least another month.

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 8 - The White House stated on the 7th that both the United States and Israel agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire with Iran. However, two former senior Israeli officials told U.S. media that Israel believes it is too early for a ceasefire and hopes that military actions against Iran can continue for at least another month.

On the evening of the 7th Eastern Time, U.S. President Trump posted on social media stating, "I agree to pause bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks," provided that Iran agrees to "fully, immediately, and safely" open the Strait of Hormuz. This was less than an hour and a half before Trump's so-called "deadline" for Iran. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council subsequently announced that Iran would engage in two weeks of political negotiations with the U.S. in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Before announcing the ceasefire agreement, Trump continuously escalated threats against Iran, even threatening that "the entire civilization of Iran will perish." Many European countries urged the U.S. to exercise restraint. However, Israeli officials sent a different message at this time, stating that the action is not over and that now is a critical moment to increase pressure on Iran.

Two former Israeli officials with military connections revealed to the U.S. Politico website that Israel hopes to extend military actions against Iran for at least another month. They stated that Israel aims to achieve its long-term goal of weakening the Iranian regime until its ultimate collapse, even if this takes months or years.

One former official said that Israel estimates that military actions for "another month or two" could accelerate the collapse of the Iranian regime.

Politico commented that the statements from these two former officials add a "footnote" to the public information released by the Israeli government.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a video statement released on the afternoon of the 7th, "Iran is no longer the Iran it once was, and Israel is no longer the Israel it once was. We are fundamentally changing the balance of power."

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also hinted that the conflict is entering a decisive phase, rather than a moment of conclusion. During a meeting with Israeli military commanders on the 7th, he said that the joint military actions of Israel and the U.S. against Iran are "about to reach a strategic crossroads," and "we will continue to take firm action."

According to multiple U.S. media reports, under the conditional ceasefire agreement lasting two weeks, U.S. airstrikes against Iran have been suspended.

Israeli Channel 12 reported on the 8th that the Israeli military is currently "striking" launch sites within Iran. The Times of Israel also quoted a security official on the same day stating, "Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, the Israeli Air Force is still continuing to strike Iran."

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on the 8th stating that Israel supports Trump's decision for a two-week ceasefire with Iran, but the ceasefire does not include Lebanon.

The U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei. Iran subsequently retaliated against U.S. military bases in the Middle East and Israeli targets, severely disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and significantly impacting the security of international energy supplies. (Guo Qian)