Israeli Prime Minister Vows to Continue Fighting Against Hezbollah Despite Calls for Ceasefire
TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the country’s military to maintain relentless combat against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, disregarding pleas from the US and other allies for a ceasefire.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported a death toll of at least 92 individuals due to Israeli air strikes on Thursday, with hundreds more casualties since the escalation of attacks on Monday.
Hezbollah acknowledged the death of Mohammad Surur, the head of its drone unit, in an airstrike on an apartment building in southern Beirut.
Concerns of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah have surged following a significant increase in Israeli assaults on Lebanon this week.
A coalition of 12 nations, including the US, UK, and EU, proposed a three-week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Wednesday in an effort to de-escalate the conflict.
Despite initial optimism expressed by Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, the ceasefire proposal was swiftly rejected by Israeli politicians on Thursday.
Upon arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu declared that Israel would persist in Lebanon until all its objectives, including the safe return of northern residents to their homes, were achieved.
The White House later stated that the ceasefire proposal had been coordinated with Israel, contradicting Netanyahu’s subsequent assertion that the fighting would continue.
In an attempt to clarify misinformation surrounding the US-led ceasefire initiative, Netanyahu’s office released a statement emphasizing Israel’s alignment with the aims of the proposal and acknowledging US efforts in this regard.
During his visit to New York, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged for an immediate ceasefire to create room for a diplomatic resolution to the Lebanon conflict, warning of uncontrollable consequences if the conflict expands into a war.
Both Israel and Lebanon have witnessed a significant displacement of civilians, with tens of thousands forced to flee their homes amid the escalating hostilities.
The Israeli military carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in various regions of Lebanon, while Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets towards Israeli cities.
Efforts to de-escalate the conflict and pursue a diplomatic solution were echoed by international leaders, with calls for restraint and peace amid the escalating tensions.
In a move to bolster Israel’s military capabilities, the defense ministry announced an aid package from the US to support ongoing military operations, including funding for essential wartime procurement and air defense systems.
