Israeli foreign minister says Lebanon not included in US-Iran ceasefire

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Wednesday a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran does not extend to Lebanon.

In a phone call with with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Sa'ar said Israel and the US remain committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Lebanon “is not Iranian territory and is not part of the ceasefire,” Sa'ar said in a statement on US social media company X.

The US and Iran announced a two-week truce on Tuesday aimed at paving the way for a final agreement to end a war launched by Washington and Tel Aviv against Tehran on Feb. 28, which has left thousands dead and wounded.

Pakistani mediators said the truce includes Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it does not. Hezbollah has so far adhered to the ceasefire despite continued Israeli strikes.

The Israeli army launched a wave of deadly strikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, killing at least 254 people and injuring 1,165 others, according to the Lebanese Civil Defense.

Israel has carried out airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, despite a ceasefire that took effect in November 2024.