Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the nation’s armed forces to continue fighting with “full force” against the armed group Hezbollah, ignoring international calls, including those from the US, for a ceasefire.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that recent Israeli air strikes on Thursday resulted in at least 92 deaths, with the death toll rising significantly since the intensification of attacks that began on Monday.
Hezbollah has confirmed the death of Mohammad Surur, the leader of its drone operations, in an air strike on a residential building in southern Beirut.
The possibility of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah looms larger following a sharp increase in Israeli military actions in Lebanon starting Monday.
A group of twelve nations, including the US, UK, and EU, suggested a three-week truce between Israel and Hezbollah on Wednesday, in response to escalating violence.
Initial reactions to the ceasefire proposal were hopeful, particularly after the Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, indicated openness to new ideas. However, Israeli officials quickly dismissed the ceasefire suggestion by Thursday.
Arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly, Mr. Netanyahu declared that Israel’s military operations in Lebanon would persist until all objectives were met, primarily ensuring the safe return of northern residents to their homes.
Despite Mr. Netanyahu’s later assertions of continued aggression, the White House stated that the ceasefire proposal had been developed in coordination with Israel.
In response to widespread misinterpretations regarding the ceasefire led by the US, Mr. Netanyahu’s office issued a clarifying statement early Friday.
The statement explained that the ceasefire idea was part of a broader effort by the US and other international and regional partners, aimed at ensuring the safe return of residents along Israel’s northern border.
It also expressed gratitude towards the US for its role in these efforts, noting ongoing discussions.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking in New York, emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to make room for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the situation in Lebanon, warning that the conflict could escalate into an uncontrollable war.
Since the conflict’s inception, linked to the ongoing war in Gaza nearly a year ago, approximately 70,000 Israelis have been displaced from northern regions.
The UN reports that around 90,000 individuals in Lebanon have been displaced since Monday, adding to the 110,000 already displaced due to ongoing conflicts.
The Israeli military announced it had targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, as well as key infrastructure along the Lebanese-Syrian border to disrupt weapon supplies to Hezbollah.
Hezbollah retaliated by launching 50 rockets towards Kiryat Ata and 80 missiles towards Safed, both in northern Israel.
Following these attacks, the Israeli army intercepted a missile launched from Yemen amid sirens and blasts.
Israeli military chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi stated on Wednesday that the airstrikes might facilitate a ground invasion into hostile territories.
IAF Commander Maj Gen Tomer Bar briefed his troops on Thursday, preparing them for potential ground operations in Lebanon.
Qatar has joined international calls for de-escalation, with government spokesman Majed al-Ansari condemning the targeting of families in Lebanon, likening it to the atrocities witnessed in Gaza.
During discussions in London with his British and Australian counterparts, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the risk of total war between Israel and Hezbollah but maintained that diplomatic resolution remains possible.
“Israel has stated that its goal is to return its citizens to their home in the north. I believe the quickest way to do that is through diplomacy,” Austin said.
On Thursday evening, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced a substantial US aid package totaling $8.7 billion, intended to support Israel’s military efforts.
This package includes $3.5 billion already allocated for critical wartime acquisitions and $5.2 billion designated for advanced air defense systems like the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, along with a new laser system.
