Lebanon Cease-fire update: Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, rejected a proposed 21-day cease-fire with Lebanon, opting instead to urge for the “crushing” of Hezbollah. Despite calls from the United States, European Union, and several Arab states for a temporary truce, Smotrich insisted on continuing the war against Hezbollah to ensure the safety of northern residents.
Israeli army chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi’s warning of a potential ground offensive into Lebanon heightened tensions, with opposition leader Yair Lapid advocating for a seven-day cease-fire to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping.
With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relying on far-right coalition partners for political support, the extremist Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, held an emergency meeting to address the cease-fire reports.
As the conflict escalates, the choices remain clear: Hezbollah’s surrender or continued war. The fate of northern residents hangs in the balance as the Israeli government grapples with conflicting views within its coalition.
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