Day 1 of US-Israel-Iran ceasefire: Netanyahu says deal 'does not include Lebanon'

Israel says ceasefire 'does not include Lebanon'

Israel said Wednesday that a US-Iran ceasefire deal "does not include Lebanon", which was drawn into the war after Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel.

"The two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon," the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

The statement contradicted an earlier announcement by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has acted as a mediator in the conflict, that said the ceasefire covers "everywhere including Lebanon".

Ceasefire! 

As we usher in a new morning, perhaps, the melody of the birds chirping and the warmth of the sunshine feel sweeter knowing that the day begins with peace.

US President Donald Trump said early today he agreed to suspend bombing of Iran for two weeks as part of a ceasefire deal if Tehran completely reopens the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, meanwhile, said it would guarantee safe passage for maritime traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, announcing that the pause would be used for talks with the United States on ending the war, starting Friday in Islamabad.