Israel Reportedly Rejects Ceasefire Proposal

Israel announced on Monday that it has rejected a ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah, which had been presented by mediators during recent discussions.

According to Al-Hurra’s correspondent in Tel Aviv, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz held talks with various foreign ministers following the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. The ceasefire plan was among the topics discussed, but Katz made it clear that Israel would not agree to such a ceasefire in Lebanon.

As reported by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, Katz communicated this position to more than 25 foreign ministers, including those from Germany, Britain, Italy, and Canada. He stated that Israel would only consider a ceasefire if Hezbollah is pushed north of the Litani River and disarmed.

Katz explained that “the full implementation of all U.N. Security Council resolutions related to Lebanon” is the only pathway to a ceasefire. Until that happens, Israel would continue its military operations to ensure the security of its citizens and allow residents in the northern regions to safely return to their homes.

He also defended the assassination of Nasrallah, calling it one of the most justified actions Israel has undertaken, adding that Nasrallah had been planning further attacks against Israel. Katz further warned Iran, saying that any attack from Iran would be met with a retaliatory strike by Israel.

Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed regret last Friday over the lack of influence to “stop” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Borrell stated, “We are applying all diplomatic pressure to halt the fighting, but no one seems able to stop Netanyahu, whether in Gaza or the West Bank.”

Borrell voiced support for a French and U.S.-led initiative calling for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, but Israel has disregarded the proposal, continuing to intensify its strikes in the country.