Israel Vows to Fight Hezbollah “Until Victory”

On Thursday, Israel firmly dismissed a proposal, primarily supported by the United States, for a 21-day ceasefire with Lebanon. Israel affirmed its commitment to continue its military actions against Hezbollah militants until it achieves victory.

Israeli forces have been conducting heavy aerial attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, resulting in numerous casualties, while Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated on the social media platform X that Israel would not cease its military efforts in the north, aiming for a decisive victory and the secure return of northern residents to their homes.

Shortly before this, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that he hadn’t responded to the ceasefire suggestion and instructed the military to persist with their operations at full strength.

This stance came as the United States, France, and other international allies called for a three-week halt to hostilities. This appeal was made during meetings held on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, stating that the ongoing conflict was detrimental to both Lebanese and Israeli interests.

On the ground, the conflict showed no signs of abating. The Israeli military targeted around 75 Hezbollah positions in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and the south, areas that have witnessed significant civilian displacement recently. An airstrike near Baalbek resulted in at least nine fatalities, and the intensity of the attacks led local residents to describe the experience as one of the worst nights of their lives.

Amidst these developments, the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive looms, with Israel’s military chief instructing preparations for such an operation, and the call-up of two reserve brigades for northern duties.

The ongoing violence brings back painful memories of the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which had a devastating toll on both sides. The U.N. reports that the current Israeli bombings have displaced 90,000 people within Lebanon.

Amidst these tensions, Hezbollah claimed a significant attack on what it said was an Israeli intelligence center near Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister warned of a regional catastrophe and pledged support for Lebanon against further Israeli escalations.

The violence has already led to significant casualties, with hundreds killed in just a few days, marking some of the deadliest days in Lebanon’s recent history, rivaling the bloodshed seen during the 1975-1990 civil war.

While the link between the Gaza conflict and the situation in Lebanon remains complex, Qatar, a mediator in the discussions to end the fighting in Gaza, indicated that while the negotiations are interconnected, there isn’t a direct link between the two conflict areas.