Netanyahu denies reports of imminent ceasefire with Hezbollah

Israel’s military operations in Gaza, too, would continue “until all war objectives are achieved,” the statement added.

Minutes later, Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted to X: “There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes.”

The statements come as Netanyahu’s coalition members rejected the U.S.-France proposal for a 21-day ceasefire.

The United States, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar called jointly on Wednesday night for an “immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement.”

Before the statement went out, US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron stated that “it is time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes”.

Neither of the two statements referred to Hezbollah, a US-designated terror group, which has launched thousands of rockets at the Jewish state since October 8.

Members of the governing coalition expressed strong opposition to the proposal.

“The campaign in the north must end with one scenario—the crushing of Hezbollah and the elimination of its ability to harm the residents of the north,” said far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

“We must not give the enemy time to recover from the severe blows it has suffered and reorganize for the continuation of the war,” he continued.

“Hezbollah’s surrender or war—only in this way will we return the residents and security to the north and the country.”

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar also weighed in, saying that “a ceasefire without any significant concession from Hezbollah is a serious mistake that jeopardizes Israel’s major security achievements in recent days. I really hope the reports are not true; we must continue with full force until a clear resolution [is reached] in the north.”

The joint-statement from the United States, France and some of their allies stated that a settlement would be “consistent with UNSCR 1701, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza,” referring to two United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“The situation between Lebanon and Israel since Oct. 8, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,” the countries and the EU stated. “This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.”

“It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety,” the group added. “Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.”