PBS reporter Elizabeth Landers said on Wednesday that she had a conversation with President Trump, who mentioned that the ongoing war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire agreement announced on Tuesday night.
President Trump was referring to the conditional two-week ceasefire agreement reached with Iran. Landers took to the social media platform X to share that shortly after a Pentagon briefing ended, she had a brief conversation with President Trump regarding the latest developments in the Iran situation. Currently, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continues.
Quoting the President, Landers reported, “They [Hezbollah] are not included in the deal. That will be taken care of. No problem.”
Trump also added that Israel’s continued attacks on Hezbollah are “part of the deal – everyone knows that. It’s another minor skirmish.”
On Tuesday night, Trump announced a two-week conditional ceasefire agreement with Iran aimed at de-escalating the sharply intensified regional conflict since the joint U.S.-Israel military operation on February 28. The agreement is seen as a temporary cooling-off measure but does not cover Israel’s actions on other fronts.
According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed to him on Wednesday that Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire agreement announced by President Trump on Tuesday.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing for many years, but Israel’s actions have significantly escalated since the U.S. joint military operation with Iran on February 28, including launching ground offensives.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated last month that even after the war ends, the Israeli military will continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, and local residents will not be allowed to return to their homes until Israeli citizens are ensured security.