Netanyahu announced the start of the path to peace with Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country has taken the first step on the long road to peace with Lebanon by agreeing to a 10-day ceasefire, but this does not mean the end of the conflict with Hezbollah. According to him, the current pause became possible following an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump and should provide an opportunity to combine diplomatic and military tools.

In a video address, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is acting on two fronts simultaneously—security and political—explaining this by saying, “One hand holds a weapon, the other is extended toward peace.” He stressed that the agreement with Lebanon is only the beginning of the process, not its conclusion, and that the main goal is to reduce the threat posed by Hezbollah through a combination of military action and diplomacy.

Netanyahu also stated that since October 7, 2023, Israel has succeeded in significantly weakening the group, in particular by neutralizing most of the missile and anti-tank threats. At the same time, he acknowledged that a final victory has not yet been achieved, and some dangers remain. “To be honest, we haven’t finished the job yet,” he said, adding that Israel plans to continue reducing the missile and drone threat, although the details of such plans have not been disclosed.

Separately, the prime minister emphasized that the process of dismantling Hezbollah’s capabilities is a long-term one and will require time, patience, and thoughtful diplomacy. He stressed that even under a ceasefire, Israel is not abandoning its security objectives and will continue to act to prevent the resurgence of the threat posed by the group.

Additionally, Iran announced new rules for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s key oil supply routes. Commercial vessels will now be able to transit only with permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. 

U.S. stock markets opened higher following a sharp drop in oil prices. Investors reacted positively to the news that Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the U.S. does not plan to lift its naval blockade of Iran, even despite Tehran’s statements regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The restrictions will remain in place until the parties conclude negotiations and sign an agreement. 

In Israel, military restrictions have been fully lifted for the first time in a month and a half. This became possible after the ceasefire with Lebanon and Iran has held so far. The country is gradually returning to normal life.

The U.S. is calling on G20 countries, as well as the IMF and the World Bank, to intervene urgently to avoid a fertilizer shortage. Due to the war in the Middle East, supplies have been disrupted precisely during the key planting season.

Global oil prices have also fallen by about 5% following news of a possible agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Investors reacted to Donald Trump’s statement that a deal is imminent and began pricing in a reduction in market tensions.

Airlines are warning that flight cancellations could begin in Europe as early as late May due to a shortage of jet fuel. The industry is asking governments to prepare a clear action plan in advance in case supplies need to be restricted. 

Also, the Pakistani tanker Shalamar became the first vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz carrying crude oil since the U.S. blockade began on April 13.

Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Iran estimates the damage from US and Israeli bombings at $270 billion and is demanding compensation from five Arab countries

Iran promises to respond to the blockade of its ports by blocking the Red Sea