Lebanese Prime Minister Believes Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah is Possible, Reuters Reports

UNITED NATIONS/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM – Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati voiced optimism about the possibility of reaching a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has destabilized Lebanon and raised concerns about a potential ground invasion.

In response to the escalating violence, the United States, France, and other allies urged for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border, while also advocating for a truce in Gaza during a discussion at the United Nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, en route to New York for a UN address, stated that he had not yet decided on the ceasefire proposal and directed the military to continue operations. More hardline members of his government insisted on rejecting any truce with Hezbollah and insisted on sustained military action.

Despite calls for peace, violence persisted, with Israeli airstrikes targeting approximately 75 Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, including weapons depots and launch sites, according to the Israeli military.

In a particularly tragic strike, at least 23 Syrians—predominantly women and children—lost their lives when an Israeli bombardment hit a three-story building in the town of Younine, as reported by the local mayor. Lebanon hosts around 1.5 million Syrians who fled their country’s civil war.

The Israeli military reported that numerous Hezbollah targets, including militants and military facilities, were engaged in several locations on Thursday morning. Approximately 45 projectiles were launched from Lebanon toward Israel’s western Galilee region, with some intercepted and others landing in unpopulated areas.

Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to ensure that the tens of thousands of Israelis who evacuated northern regions can return home. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a leader of a nationalist-religious faction in the government, stated that Hezbollah must be defeated, asserting that only their surrender could allow for the safe return of evacuees.

Mikati welcomed the ceasefire call but emphasized that its success hinges on Israel’s commitment to uphold international resolutions, especially as Israeli troops position themselves closer to Lebanon. When asked about the potential for a swift ceasefire, Mikati expressed hope for a positive outcome.

His caretaker government includes ministers affiliated with Hezbollah, which is widely regarded as Lebanon’s dominant political force. The proposed ceasefire would apply to the "Blue Line," the boundary between Israel and Lebanon, potentially paving the way for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict.

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, also endorsed the call for a 21-day ceasefire to facilitate diplomatic efforts.

AIRSTRIKES POUND LEBANON

Israel has prioritized the security of its northern border and the return of around 70,000 residents displaced due to the conflict, which Hezbollah initiated a year ago in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon intensified significantly this week, resulting in at least 72 deaths as reported by Lebanese health authorities. The health ministry has indicated that over 223 people were injured due to the strikes, which are regarded as the most severe in nearly two decades.

The escalation began on Monday, marking the deadliest violence in Lebanon since the end of its civil war in 1990. Approximately half a million Lebanese have fled their homes, and hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured, following recent explosive attacks that have claimed numerous lives and injured thousands across Lebanon.

Israel’s military leadership has indicated that a ground operation is a possibility, raising concerns that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war. Hezbollah and Hamas are part of a network of armed groups supported by Iran.

Before the UN Security Council meeting, Israel’s UN Ambassador stated that while Israel favors a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution, addressing the Iranian influence in the region is critical to restoring peace.

Global leaders have expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, which is occurring in tandem with Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have been aimed at Hezbollah leadership and have targeted numerous locations throughout Lebanon, while Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire into Israeli territory.