Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 10 - The United States and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire on the 8th Beijing time, but both sides have differing views on whether Lebanon is included in the ceasefire. CBS News reported on the 9th that U.S. President Trump initially agreed to include Lebanon in the ceasefire agreement, but "changed his mind" after a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Multiple sources told CBS News reporters that Trump had previously been informed of the ceasefire scope and had clearly agreed to include Lebanon. Mediators believe that the ceasefire scope includes Lebanon, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz publicly confirmed this, while Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian made a similar statement. However, after Netanyahu's phone call with Trump on the 8th, the U.S. position changed. Trump stated that Israel's actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon constitute an "independent conflict" and that "Hezbollah is not included in the agreement."
In an interview with NBC on the 9th, Trump said, "Israel is reducing its military operations in Lebanon. I have spoken with Netanyahu, and he will handle this matter calmly."
Israel insists that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon. The Israeli military launched a large-scale attack on Lebanon on the 8th. The Israeli newspaper "New News" quoted Israeli security officials as saying that the political leadership of the U.S. and Israel has reached an agreement to "cut off" Lebanon from the Iranian front.
Netanyahu instructed the Israeli government on the 9th to initiate direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible, focusing on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon. The U.S. news site Axios reported on the 9th, citing Israeli senior officials, that the first direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to take place next week in Washington, D.C.
After the statement was issued, Israeli Channel 14 quoted Israeli Defense Minister Katz as saying, "Negotiations and ongoing strikes will proceed simultaneously."
Lebanese Prime Minister Salam stated on the 9th that he has instructed the national security forces to disarm non-state armed groups in the capital, Beirut. Media reports suggest that this move may target Hezbollah. Lebanese Hezbollah member Ali Fayez called on the Lebanese government to prioritize the ceasefire as a prerequisite before advancing any steps, emphasizing the need to adhere to principles such as the withdrawal of Israeli troops, cessation of hostilities, and the return of Lebanese residents to their homes. (Yu Qihan)
The U.S. and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire on April 8, 2023, but disagreements arose over Lebanon's inclusion. President Trump initially agreed to include Lebanon but reversed his stance after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israel launched significant attacks on Lebanon the same day, and direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled for next week in Washington D.C. Lebanon's Prime Minister has ordered security forces to disarm non-state actors in Beirut.
- U.S. and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire on April 8, 2023.
- Trump initially agreed to include Lebanon in the ceasefire but changed his position after a call with Netanyahu.
- Israel conducted large-scale attacks on Lebanon on April 8, 2023.
- Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are set to take place in Washington D.C. next week.
- Lebanon's Prime Minister instructed security forces to disarm non-state actors in Beirut.