The Israel Defense Forces has announced a ceasefire in its operation against Iran following directives from Israel’s political leadership on April 8, 2026.
In a statement by the IDF, the defense force expressed that Israel was ready to respond defensively against any violation of the ceasefire and will continue to operate across all fronts to defend Israel.
“In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF has ceased fire in the operation against Iran, and is highly prepared to respond defensively against any violation,” part of the statement read.
Overnight, the IDF conducted a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting missile launch sites and launchers across Iran to degrade its launching capabilities significantly.
Simultaneously, in Lebanon, the IDF has continued to conduct targeted ground operations against Hezbollah.
Ceasefire Operation
US President Donald Trump and Iran agreed to a last-minute ceasefire deal to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on April 8.
A Truth Social post by Trump on Tuesday, April 7, stated that the ceasefire agreement was on the condition that Iran agree to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz.
Under the ceasefire plan, Iran’s military will coordinate the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz according to Iran’s foreign minister.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire and Israel was not going to suspend attacks on Lebanon.
Also Read: Has Iran Ordered Mass Evacuation in Qatar Ahead of Strikes?
States in Support of the US-Iran ceasefire
Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire plan, stating that the plan was an international effort to promote diplomacy and urged the two states to commit to the deal.
“As the ministry asserts its support for regional and international efforts to contain crises and prioritize the language of dialogue and diplomacy, it stresses the need for full commitment to the ceasefire and refraining from any escalations,” the ministry said.
Additionally, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Facebook statement, said that the ceasefire must be built on commitment and security.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called on all parties to abide by the terms of the ceasefire.
Other states supporting the ceasefire plan included Malaysia, Australia, Oman, Indonesia, Germany, Japan, and Ukraine.
Israel was also in agreement, but omitted Lebanon from the ceasefire.
Also Read: New Twist in Trump-Iran Ceasefire as Israel Singles Out Lebanon
IDF Attacks on Lebanon
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the Israeli military continued to carry out attacks on the southern parts of the country.
According to the News Agency, the Israeli forces bombed the southern town of Srifa in the Tire region.
The Lebanese army on April 8 warned citizens against returning to the country’s south and to avoid approaching areas where Israeli occupation forces have advanced.
