The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected international calls for a cease-fire with Hezbollah on Thursday, despite a joint appeal from U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Both leaders, attending the United Nations General Assembly, had urged a temporary truce to allow diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
However, Netanyahu’s office dismissed reports that he had instructed the military to moderate its offensive, emphasizing that he had actually directed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to continue their operations with full force.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, reiterated this stance, declaring that there would be no cease-fire in the north.
The violence, which began on October 8 with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza, has resulted in significant casualties, including over 630 deaths in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes.
The ongoing conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border, raising fears of a broader war that could involve the U.S. and Iran, Hezbollah’s main supporter.
Despite the international push for a cease-fire, the exchange of fire continues, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
