Lebanon’s UN Ambassador Calls for Immediate Ceasefire, Israel Vows to Continue Attacks

Lebanon’s U.N. Ambassador, Hadi Hashem, has called for an immediate ceasefire, while Israel’s envoy stated that military operations would continue until Hezbollah’s influence in southern Lebanon is dismantled, preventing further attacks on Israel.

During an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting convened by France, Hashem argued that Israel’s bombings and ground invasion would not bring security or stability for its people. He emphasized, “Israel cannot return the displaced to their homes without a proper agreement.”

Hashem affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to a French-American initiative for a 21-day ceasefire, intended to resolve border disputes. However, he accused Israel of initially agreeing to the initiative before backtracking and intensifying its aggression.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, responded by saying Israeli forces are focused on weakening Hezbollah, preventing future attacks on Israel, and dismantling the terror network that spans southern Lebanon.

Danon stressed that peace between Israel and Lebanon requires the removal of Hezbollah. He also called for the full implementation of the 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah conflict. This resolution includes disarming all armed groups, including Hezbollah, and ensuring the Lebanese Army controls the entire southern region of the country.