Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman
US President Donald Trump announced Monday a five-day pause on all strikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy facilities, citing productive discussions with Tehran over the past two days.
Trump said the talks aim for a full resolution of hostilities in the region. He instructed the Department of Defense to delay military strikes while the discussions continue, emphasizing that the pause depends on ongoing diplomatic progress.
Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman called Monday for military operations against Iran to continue even if the United States withdraws from the campaign.
Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beytenu party, made the remarks during the opening of his party faction’s meeting. He said removing the Iranian regime is essential from Israel’s perspective.
He criticized the Israeli government for focusing on domestic legislative matters while security threats persist. “While residents of the north hear an air raid siren every few minutes, the Knesset will discuss the fate of the people of Israel and the expansion of the powers of rabbinical courts—this is absolute madness,” he said.
The regional conflict escalated after the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, which has so far resulted in over 1,340 deaths, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran responded with drone and missile attacks against Israel, as well as strikes affecting Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US forces. These actions caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted global trade and aviation.
Observers note that tensions remain high in the Middle East despite the US-ordered pause, with political and military leaders continuing to debate the next steps in the conflict.
