Netanyahu Signals Ceasefire Proposal Amid Rising Tensions with Hezbollah
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to present a “ceasefire outline” to government ministers. While he did not specify the duration of the proposed truce, he noted its length would depend on developments in Lebanon.
“If Hezbollah violates the agreement and attempts to rearm, we will strike,” Netanyahu warned, emphasizing Israel’s readiness to respond.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has been leading ceasefire efforts in Lebanon alongside France. Netanyahu stated, “In full coordination with the United States, we are maintaining full military freedom of action.” He also highlighted the multiple threats Israel faces in what he described as a seven-front war, involving Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
Despite talks of a ceasefire, tensions remain high. The Israeli military launched airstrikes on Beirut, and 15 projectiles were reported entering Israeli airspace from Lebanon. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Tel Aviv, with demonstrators opposing a possible truce with Hezbollah.
The conflict in Lebanon intensified following Hezbollah’s support for Hamas after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. The violence has claimed at least 3,823 lives in Lebanon since October 2023, with the majority of casualties occurring in recent months, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. On the Israeli side, at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians have been killed.
Netanyahu argued that a ceasefire with Hezbollah would enable Israel to concentrate on the "Iranian threat" and intensify its efforts against Hamas in Gaza. “With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left on its own,” he said, pledging to increase pressure on the group to secure the release of hostages.
Following last year’s Hamas attack, 251 hostages were taken. Of these, 97 remain in Gaza, including 34 who the Israeli army has declared dead.
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