Despite Iran's demand for a ceasefire throughout Lebanon, the security cabinet decided to stop strikes in Iran, but ruled that Israel Defense Forces operations in southern Lebanon would continue.
Iran announced earlier that it would cease fire at Israel and would not resume attacks unless Israel attacked Iran or Lebanon. This marks a new equation from the Iranians, as until now a similar warning had been issued only regarding an attack in Beirut.
The Iranian announcement came after 24 hours of intense escalation between Israel and Iran, during which Tehran fired numerous missiles at Israeli territory, while the Israeli Air Force struck targets across Iran.
"In accordance with the conditions prevailing on the ground, a halt to operations by the armed forces has been declared. However, it is emphasized that if the noisy acts of aggression continue, including in southern Lebanon, far more severe and crushing measures will be on the way," the command said in a statement.
After a lengthy discussion of the alternatives in the security cabinet, it was decided that the IDF would continue clearing the security zone in southern Lebanon of the Shiite villages that had served as hideouts for Hezbollah terrorists. However, it is still unclear what will happen should Hezbollah fire on Israeli territory continue, given ministers' demand to expand the operation to Beirut's Dahiyeh.
