Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire put forward by the United States and its allies in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite growing international calls for a temporary halt to hostilities, Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Thursday that Israel will continue its military operations with “full force.”
The ceasefire proposal, backed by the United States, France, the European Union, and several Arab states, was made following Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands in Lebanon. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified in recent days, with both sides exchanging heavy fire across the Lebanon-Israel border.
International Push for Diplomacy
The joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire was issued by US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and leaders from the European Union, Japan, and key Gulf Arab states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, expressing their concerns about the worsening situation in Lebanon.
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“The situation in Lebanon has become intolerable and is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon,” the joint statement read. The leaders emphasized the need for a 21-day ceasefire to create space for diplomacy aimed at achieving a diplomatic settlement and preventing further civilian casualties.
Netanyahu’s Response
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office clarified that the prime minister had not formally responded to the ceasefire proposal, but that the Israeli army would continue its operations. “It is an American-French proposal, which the prime minister has not even responded to,” the statement said, indicating that Israel is not prepared to halt its military campaign against Hezbollah.
Earlier this week, Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi instructed soldiers to prepare for a potential ground offensive against Hezbollah, further escalating tensions. Israel’s aerial bombardments of Hezbollah strongholds have inflicted heavy casualties, while Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket attacks and claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv.
Regional and Global Concerns
The ongoing conflict has raised alarm within the international community, with fears that it could further destabilize the region. Western powers and Arab nations, some of whom have historically been at odds with Israel, have joined forces to push for a ceasefire, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
While Israel maintains that its military actions are necessary for national security, the devastation in Lebanon has drawn widespread condemnation. Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israeli cities have also led to concerns about the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential for it to spiral into a full-scale regional war.
