Lebanon confirms 92 fatalities, Israel launches aggressive assault with intensity.
In recent Israeli aggressions in Lebanon, as per official sources, at least 92 individuals have lost their lives. Additionally, over 150 individuals have sustained injuries, the Health MinistryDetails announced. Prime Minister of Israel, Netanyahu, dismissed a ceasefire proposal.
Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese targets on a particular Thursday resulted in at least 92 fatalities and 153 injuries, the Lebanese Health Ministry revealed. Forty people were reported killed in southern Lebanon's cities and villages, while an additional 48 were killed in the eastern regions and four in the country's center.
The Israeli military launched its most intense assaults against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October last year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned down a call by the US, France, Germany, and other countries for a 21-day truce with Hezbollah. Instead, his office instructed the military to carry on the attacks "with full force."
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the call was coordinated with Israel prior to its publication. Newspaper "Haaretz" reported that Netanyahu and his close aide, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, were regularly updated on the proposal's development on Wednesday and Thursday, and granted their approval.
However, following criticism from some of his ministers, Netanyahu reconsidered his stance and also declined the call, according to "Haaretz." Three Israeli ministers openly opposed the proposal for a 21-day truce. Extreme-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on X, "The campaign in the north must culminate in one outcome: the annihilation of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its capacity to threaten the residents of the north."
Extreme-right Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatened to boycott cabinet activities if the government agrees to a temporary truce. He also threatened to resign in case of a permanent truce. Foreign Minister Israel Katz also opposed a halt in fighting against Hezbollah. "There will be no truce in the north," he wrote on X. "We will continue our fight against the terrorist organization Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes."
In response, Hezbollah launched substantial attacks against targets in northern Israel. The city of Safed was hit with 80 rockets, according to the militia. Hezbollah also claimed to have targeted military facilities near the northern Israeli city of Haifa.
The following paragraphs shall apply only to the proposals and responses regarding a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the calls from international entities for a 21-day truce, Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the proposal and maintained the Israeli military's offensive against Hezballah.
In adherence to the aforementioned stance, certain Israeli ministers, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, expressed their desire for the campaign in Lebanon to culminate in the annihilation of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its threat against northern Israel.
