Israel Vows to Strike Hezbollah "Full Force" Despite International Calls for Ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his military to intensify its offensive against Hezbollah, despite mounting pressure from the United States and other allies to agree to a ceasefire.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that at least 92 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday alone, with the death toll rising into the hundreds since the bombardment escalated earlier in the week. Among the dead is Mohammad Surur, head of Hezbollah’s drone unit, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment complex in southern Beirut.
Concerns are growing that the conflict could spiral into a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, following a significant uptick in Israeli strikes across Lebanon since Monday.
A coalition of 12 nations, including the US, UK, and EU, called for a temporary, three-week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Wednesday, hoping to create a window for diplomacy.
Initially, Israel appeared open to discussions, with UN ambassador Danny Danon expressing willingness to consider “ideas” for peace. However, by Thursday, the proposal had been rejected by Israeli politicians.
Speaking from the UN General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not halt its military campaign until all of its objectives were achieved, including the safe return of residents in the north of the country. Nearly 70,000 Israelis have been displaced from northern Israel since the conflict with Hezbollah flared, triggered by the ongoing war in Gaza.
In Lebanon, the situation is equally dire, with over 90,000 people displaced since the latest strikes began, adding to the 110,000 who had already fled their homes.
As the airstrikes continued, Israel’s military reported targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, as well as infrastructure along the Syrian border, aimed at cutting off the group’s weapons supply.
In retaliation, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching a barrage of rockets and missiles into northern Israel, hitting targets in Kiryat Ata and Safed. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense system intercepted a missile reportedly fired from Yemen, raising further concerns about the widening scope of the conflict.
Israeli military leadership has suggested that these strikes could pave the way for ground operations in Lebanon, with the Air Force Commander, Maj Gen Tomer Bar, telling troops to prepare for a possible invasion.
International voices continue to urge for calm. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking in New York, called for an “immediate ceasefire” to allow for diplomatic negotiations, warning that the conflict risks spiraling into an uncontrollable war. In a similar tone, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking in London, emphasized the importance of a diplomatic solution, stating that Israel’s goal of returning citizens to northern Israel could be achieved through negotiations rather than further military escalation.
Despite these calls for de-escalation, Israel’s defense ministry announced that it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the US to support its military efforts, including funding for essential wartime supplies and advanced defense systems such as the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and new laser technologies.
As both sides dig in, fears of a broader, more devastating war remain high.
