Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel would “hold fire” against Iran after President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop exchanging attacks and return to a cease-fire.
Netanyahu said the fighting “on the Iran front” had been contained but warned that Israel would respond forcefully if Tehran resumes attacks.
“If they make a mistake and resume attacks we will respond powerfully,” Netanyahu said. “Israel has the right to defend itself and we implement it when needed.”
The announcement came after Trump called on both Israel and Iran to stop “shooting” at each other and give diplomacy a chance to succeed.
“Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached. Things should move quickly.”
Iran’s joint military command announced earlier Monday that it was halting offensive operations against Israel, while warning that any future “aggression and hostile acts” by Israel or its allies would trigger a stronger response.
The Iranian military also attempted to link the cease-fire to Israel’s operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, warning that attacks there could jeopardize the truce.
Netanyahu, however, made clear that Israel views the Iranian and Lebanese fronts separately. While signaling a pause in direct confrontation with Iran, Israeli officials indicated operations against Hezbollah could continue.
Shortly after Netanyahu’s remarks, Israel issued warnings to civilians in southern Lebanon that military strikes were expected in the area of Zuqouq al-Mahdi.
Despite the continued tensions, there were signs both sides are seeking to avoid a broader conflict. Iran lifted flight restrictions over parts of the country shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement, suggesting officials did not expect immediate Israeli retaliation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also indicated that communications with the United States remain active as both countries continue discussions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and beginning formal nuclear negotiations.
“Diplomacy and defense are the two wings of national power; we have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table,” Pezeshkian wrote on X. “Our priority is national security and the peace of our people. We will defend the rights of the nation with authority and will not retreat in the face of any threat.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also urged restraint, arguing that diplomacy is close to achieving its goals.
“The recent surge in violence in the Middle East is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with a tenuous ceasefire and the unbearable consequences it may lead to,” Sharif wrote. “As we work earnestly and painstakingly, together with our brothers and partners, to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflict, and especially when the final objective is just about to be achieved, we sincerely urge all sides to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance.”
The cease-fire faced a major test over the weekend after Iran launched missile attacks against Israel following Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut. Israel responded with attacks inside Iran, including strikes reported in Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz and Tehran.
Iran later launched additional strikes against Israeli military targets, though no significant casualties or damage were immediately reported.
The latest pause in fighting comes as negotiations continue over a broader agreement involving Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of key shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf.
While both sides have now publicly committed to halting attacks for the moment, the situation remains fragile as tensions involving Hezbollah and Lebanon continue to threaten the broader peace effort.
The post Netanyahu Says Israel Will ‘Hold Fire’ On Iran After Trump Pushes For Cease-Fire appeared first on Real News Now.
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