Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be “no ceasefire in Lebanon” as air raid sirens sounded across Israel after Hezbollah launched rockets. His remarks came shortly after Donald Trump told US media that he had asked Netanyahu to be more “low-key”.
The latest developments unfolded against the backdrop of wider regional tension, including Israel’s bombing of Lebanon after a US-Iran ceasefire prompted condemnation. Diplomatic pressure has continued to build as governments and international officials weigh in on how any wider agreement might be structured.
Lebanon and ceasefire talks
UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper said Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement. In comments also reported by Reuters, Cooper said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must be toll-free.
That issue has become part of the broader ceasefire discussion. Amid the talks, Tehran has proposed fees or tolls on vessels passing safely through the strait. Trump said on Wednesday that the US and Iran could collect tolls in a joint venture, while the White House said the priority was reopening the strait without limitations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of concern because of its role in global shipping. The debate over whether vessels should face charges or tolls has added another layer to already complex negotiations.
Pressure on regional policy
The latest remarks from leaders in Washington, London and Jerusalem highlight how the conflict has widened beyond the immediate battlefield. Netanyahu’s dismissal of a ceasefire in Lebanon underlines Israel’s continued military stance, even as international officials call for de-escalation and broader coverage in any peace arrangement.
Trump’s comments to US media suggested frustration with the visibility of the Israeli leader’s public posture, while the White House stressed a more practical priority: restoring unrestricted movement through the strait.
Separately, the source included the statement: “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.”
As the situation develops, Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz and the question of ceasefire terms remain central to the diplomatic and military response across the region.
