In a defiant address at the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use ‘full force’ against Hezbollah and bombard their targets indefinitely. This declaration comes after Netanyahu rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the escalating conflict in Lebanon.
The United States, Hezbollah’s key backer, had urged a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon. However, Netanyahu, speaking from New York, maintained that airstrikes will continue until all of Israel’s objectives have been achieved. This statement escalates tensions in the region, following a recent Israeli airstrike that killed Mohammad Hussein Srour, the head of Hezbollah’s drone unit, as confirmed by the militant group.
Despite Netanyahu’s stance, the White House expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, stating, “Netanyahu and the Israeli people have every right to thwart threats to their peace and security,” according to Reuters. However, French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been actively mediating the conflict, warned that it would be a ‘mistake’ for Netanyahu to ‘refuse’ a Lebanon ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s declaration further intensifies the conflict, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation and the humanitarian consequences for Lebanon. The situation remains highly volatile, with international efforts to broker a ceasefire facing significant challenges.
