Israel Rejects Ceasefire Amid Lebanon Tensions

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and other top officials have rejected a US-French proposal for a 21-day ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, insisting that military operations will continue until Hezbollah is neutralized. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli Defense Forces to maintain full-force operations, despite international calls for de-escalation. Over 600 people have been killed and thousands wounded since the conflict intensified, raising fears of an Israeli ground invasion. The proposal for a ceasefire was supported by multiple nations, including the United States, France, and several Arab states, aiming to prevent further regional escalation. French President Emmanuel Macron and Pope Francis have urged both Israel and Hezbollah to cease hostilities to avoid further humanitarian and regional crises. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been engaged in cross-border attacks, further complicating the situation and drawing strong condemnation from Israel and its allies.