Rising Tensions in Lebanon: Calls for Ceasefire Amid Escalating Israel-Hezbollah Conflict - The United States and France are advocating for a temporary 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon as tensions escalate between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. This surge in conflict has sparked fears of a potential "all-out war." Notably, Hezbollah announced it has launched a ballistic missile towards Tel Aviv, marking a significant escalation. In response, Israel claims to have targeted over 280 Hezbollah locations on Wednesday, indicating a multi-front military engagement.
Key Developments in the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict:
Israel's army chief has instructed soldiers to prepare for a possible ground offensive against Hezbollah, as airstrikes continue across Lebanon. General Halevi emphasized the ongoing strikes aimed at both preparing for a potential ground invasion and weakening Hezbollah's capabilities.
During discussions at the United Nations, a coalition of countries, including the United States and France, called for an immediate ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. A joint statement from these nations urged both the Israeli and Lebanese governments to endorse the temporary ceasefire, which aims to facilitate negotiations towards a diplomatic resolution.
A second US official indicated that both Lebanon and Israel were expected to make decisions about the ceasefire "within hours," highlighting the urgency of the situation.
While Israel expressed openness to diplomatic efforts regarding Lebanon, it did not commit to a ceasefire, insisting on its objective to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities. Israel's UN envoy acknowledged the importance of diplomatic efforts but stressed the nation's commitment to achieving its military goals.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation in Lebanon as "hell is breaking loose," underscoring the severity of the ongoing conflict.
President Joe Biden commented on the escalating violence, stating that while "all-out war" remains a possibility, he hopes for a resolution to prevent further bloodshed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to combating Hezbollah, stating, "We are hitting Hezbollah hard until we return our residents in the north safely to their homes."
The Israel Defense Forces shared footage showcasing their military operations, describing their strategy as a multi-front war, which involves targeting Hezbollah munitions to prevent harm to Israeli civilians.
In light of the ongoing conflict, the Indian Embassy in Beirut has issued a travel advisory, urging Indian nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon until further notice due to the recent airstrikes and safety concerns.
The Australian government has also advised approximately 15,000 citizens residing in Lebanon to evacuate, cautioning that the situation could worsen, potentially impacting the operational status of Beirut airport.