President Donald Trump has declared that Israel is “prohibited” from carrying out further airstrikes in Lebanon, in a surprise intervention that has unsettled Israeli officials and raised fresh questions about United States policy in the region.

“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the USA Enough is enough!!!” Trump said.

The statement stunned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers, who had been operating under ceasefire terms that allowed Israel to respond to threats. The comments triggered immediate confusion in Jerusalem, with officials seeking clarification from Washington after learning of the directive through media reports.

According to US  officials, the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon still preserves Israel’s right to self-defence against “planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks,” even as it restricts offensive military operations.

Trump, however, reinforced his position in subsequent remarks.

“Israel has to stop. They can’t continue to blow buildings up. I am not gonna allow it,” he said.

Despite the ceasefire, violence has persisted. Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli drone strike killed a motorcyclist in the southern town of Kunin shortly after Trump’s statement. An Israeli source, meanwhile, accused Hezbollah of violating the truce.

“Our forces acted in self-defense to remove the threat in accordance with the ceasefire agreement reached with the United States and Lebanon,” the source said.

The developments come as Iran signalled a partial de-escalation, announcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping during the fragile ceasefire.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” said Abbas Araghchi.

However, Iranian authorities maintained restrictions on military vessels, indicating that tensions in the region remain unresolved.

Trump welcomed Iran’s move but emphasised that pressure on Tehran would continue.

“THANK YOU!” he posted, later adding: “The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.”

He also described the development as “A GREAT AND BRILLIANT DAY FOR THE WORLD!” and claimed Iran had agreed the waterway “will no longer be used as a weapon against the World.”

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, is central to global energy markets. Its reopening has contributed to a drop in oil prices amid cautious optimism over easing regional tensions.

In Israel, authorities have begun lifting wartime restrictions to allow civilian movement and economic activity to resume. However, Netanyahu signalled that military operations against Hezbollah are not yet concluded.

“We have not yet finished the job. There are things we plan to do to address the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat,” he said.

Erizia Rubyjeana