Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given a cautious nod to a US-proposed ceasefire with Iran, while firmly insisting that Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon remains unaffected. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where President Donald Trump's administration is pushing for a two-week pause in direct strikes on Iran to pave the way for talks.

Netanyahu's office confirmed Israel's support for the truce, which requires Iran to stop attacks and relax restrictions on maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz. However, they stressed that the deal explicitly excludes operations in Lebanon, allowing Israeli forces to continue targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and fighters. "This is not a blanket ceasefire—Lebanon is separate," a statement from the Prime Minister's office clarified, highlighting Israel's determination to neutralize threats from the Iran-backed militia.

The move has sparked mixed reactions. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suggested the agreement covers "everywhere including Lebanon," creating diplomatic friction. Critics argue this "loophole" could undermine broader de-escalation, reminiscent of the shaky 2024 Israel-Lebanon truce that failed to prevent renewed rocket fire and ground incursions.

Israel's strategy reflects its multi-front challenges: neutralizing Iran's nuclear program and proxies while securing its northern border. Hezbollah's cross-border attacks since late 2023 have displaced thousands in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, with aid organizations calling for humanitarian pauses amid the chaos. Iran, which has conditioned any truce on halting Lebanon operations, may view this as provocation. Past patterns suggest proxies in Yemen or Syria could ramp up if talks stall, threatening global shipping lanes and oil prices.

As mediators scramble, the coming days will test whether Netanyahu's carve-out strengthens Israel's position or invites wider conflict. For now, the ceasefire offers a fragile breather on one front—but the guns in Lebanon keep blazing. Stay tuned for updates as this high-wire act unfolds.