Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will continue its “full force” strikes against Hezbollah, dampening hopes for a proposed 21-day ceasefire advocated by US and European officials.
- Netanyahu vows to continue strikes on Hezbollah
- US and Europe push for temporary halt in fighting
- Israel strikes Beirut, kills Hezbollah commander
In a major escalation of the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue “full force” military strikes against Hezbollah until the militant group halts its rocket fire.
Netanyahu’s stance dampened hopes for a cease-fire proposal put forth by US and European officials, who have been pushing for a temporary halt in fighting and to avert an all-out war.
On Thursday, Israel launched a strike in Beirut, killing senior Hezbollah commander Mohammed Hussein Surur.
- In New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to targeting Hezbollah. “We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force,” he stated. “And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes.”
- Despite Israel’s hardline position, the US and France continued their efforts to negotiate a 21-day ceasefire. Top diplomats, including US Mideast envoy Brett McGurk and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are engaged in ongoing discussions with Israeli officials to consider the proposed truce.
- White House spokesperson John Kirby noted that Israel was fully informed about the ceasefire proposal, while French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that Israel’s rejection was not final. “It would be a mistake by the prime minister to refuse it because he would be taking responsibility for regional escalation,” Macron said.
- At a General Assembly meeting, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib appealed to the UN for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the situation is “threatening the very existence” of Lebanon.
- Israel announced the killing of Hezbollah drone commander Mohammed Hussein Surour in a “precise” strike on Beirut, which the militant group later confirmed. According to the Lebanese health ministry, the strike resulted in at least two deaths and 15 injuries.
- In response to Israeli strikes, Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets into northern Israel, with over 45 missiles fired on Thursday, all of which were either intercepted or landed in unpopulated areas. The group has vowed to continue its “battle without limits” in response to Tel Aviv’s actions.
- In London, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concerns about the risk of full-scale war in the region but remained optimistic about a diplomatic solution. “Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path… a diplomatic solution is still viable,” Austin stated.
