Netanyahu Accuses Hezbollah of Sabotaging Truce as Trump Brokers Three-Week Ceasefire Extension

PM Netanyahu backs Trump's 3-week Lebanon ceasefire extension but warns Israel retains freedom of action as Hezbollah attempts to sabotage the peace process.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 12:10 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

The Pivot to a Historic Strategic Realignment

In his first public response to the ceasefire extension, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the diplomatic developments as part of a broader vision to "change the face of the Middle East." Speaking from his office, Netanyahu revealed that he had held an "excellent" phone conversation with President Donald Trump, focusing on the synchronized efforts to pressure Iran and stabilize the northern border. The Prime Minister signaled that while Israel is participating in the U.S.-led diplomatic process, the state remains in a high-readiness posture, combining diplomatic engagement with proactive military deterrence.

Accusations of Hezbollah Sabotage and Deterrence Strikes

Netanyahu’s remarks were heavily focused on the operational reality in southern Lebanon, where he accused Hezbollah of attempting to dismantle the ceasefire framework through persistent violations. "It is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this," Netanyahu stated, citing recent rocket fire and drone launches directed at northern Israel. To counter these threats, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out retaliatory strikes yesterday and today, targeting Hezbollah military infrastructure and launch sites. He emphasized that Israel would not hesitate to act against any "emerging threats" to protect its citizens.

The White House Diplomatic Framework

The three-week extension was announced by President Trump following a second round of high-level, ambassador-level talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in the Oval Office. The extension is intended to provide a window for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to meet personally in Washington. Trump’s administration has pivoted toward a model that emphasizes Lebanese state sovereignty, with the President suggesting that any long-term stability must include Lebanese legislation to outlaw contact with Hezbollah and a mandate for Tehran to cease funding the group.