US Aid Boosts Israeli Resolve: $8.7 Billion Pledge Fails to Deter Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon
Israel Rejects Ceasefire, Continues Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon
Israel has categorically rejected the offer of a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, proposed by the United States and other world leaders. Despite this, the White House stated that the rejection was coordinated with Israel.
Israel has continued to launch airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting strongholds of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. The airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, with Hezbollah retaliating with rocket fire.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has vowed to continue fighting Hezbollah “until victory is secured.” The Israeli army has been ordered to “continue to fight with all its strength” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The United States, France, and other allies have called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The joint statement described the situation in Lebanon as “intolerable” and “not in anyone’s interest, neither Israel nor the Lebanese people.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that rejecting a ceasefire would be a ”mistake” and would lead to a deterioration of the regional situation. Macron also expressed opposition to Lebanon becoming another Gaza Strip.
The violence shows no signs of easing, with the Israeli army announcing further airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has also fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed 92 people and injured 153 others in Lebanon in the last 24 hours.
Israel’s Defense Ministry has announced that it has received a new aid package of $8.7 billion from the United States to support its ongoing military operations.
Key Points:
- Israel rejects 21-day ceasefire proposal in Lebanon
- Continues airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds
- Hezbollah retaliates with rocket fire
- US, France, and other allies call for ceasefire
- Israel receives $8.7 billion aid package from the US