Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there will be “no ceasefire in Lebanon”, a statement that came shortly after Donald Trump told US media he had asked Netanyahu to be more “low-key.” The remarks add to the tension surrounding the region as fighting and diplomatic efforts continue to unfold.
At the same time, air raid sirens sounded across Israel after Hezbollah launched rockets, underscoring how quickly the situation remains volatile. The latest developments come amid wider discussion over whether any ceasefire arrangement could extend beyond one front and include Lebanon as well.
Pressure for Lebanon to be included
UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper said Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement. In further remarks reported by Reuters, Cooper added that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must be toll-free.
The comments reflect growing concern about the regional impact of the conflict, not only on land but also on vital sea routes. The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping corridor, and the question of whether vessels should face fees or tolls has become part of the broader diplomatic debate.
Amid the ceasefire talks, Tehran has proposed fees or tolls on vessels to safely pass through the strait. Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested the US and Iran could collect tolls in a joint venture, while the White House said the priority was reopening the strait without limitations.
Debate over the Strait of Hormuz
The discussion over the strait has become increasingly important as governments weigh the consequences of the conflict for international shipping. The White House has stressed that the aim is to restore access to the waterway without restrictions, while Tehran’s proposal would attach fees or tolls to passage.
Cooper’s call for toll-free shipping adds another layer to the negotiations, suggesting that maritime access may be treated as a separate but essential element of any broader settlement.
Wider conflict and diplomatic fallout
The latest statements come against the backdrop of Israel’s bombing of Lebanon after the US-Iran ceasefire, which has prompted condemnation. The fighting and diplomatic exchanges have continued to raise the stakes for regional stability, with leaders under pressure to prevent the situation from spreading further.
Netanyahu’s rejection of a ceasefire in Lebanon signals that a quick resolution remains unlikely, even as international figures push for broader talks. The renewed rocket fire and air raid sirens across Israel show that the conflict remains active on multiple fronts.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the focus is now on whether any agreement can address both the military confrontation and the sensitive issues around shipping routes and access through the Strait of Hormuz. For now, the outlook remains uncertain, with competing proposals and public statements revealing just how divided the sides remain.
And my principles and values made sure that our decisions were that we wouldn’t get involved in the action without a lawful basis, without a viable, thought-through plan.
