**Netanyahu Vows Continued Strikes on Hezbollah Amid Peace Talks Uncertainty**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to maintain “full force” attacks against Hezbollah until the group ceases its rocket fire, casting doubt on the potential for a cease-fire that U.S. and European officials have suggested. As Israel intensified its operations in Beirut, claiming the elimination of a key Hezbollah leader, the militant group retaliated with multiple rocket launches into Israel, displacing thousands along the border.
**Escalating Conflict**
The conflict has escalated dramatically, with nearly 700 casualties reported in Lebanon this week due to Israeli airstrikes aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting, “We will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes.”
Netanyahu has vowed to continue strikes until Hezbollah is disabled ( Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
In a recent airstrike, Israel killed Mohammed Hussein Surour, a Hezbollah drone commander, in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb, a stronghold of the militant group. This operation resulted in civilian casualties, with reports of fatalities and injuries, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
**U.S. Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Tensions**
Netanyahu arrived in New York for the U.N. General Assembly amidst increasing diplomatic pressure to agree to a proposed 21-day pause in fighting. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended meetings aimed at brokering a cease-fire, yet the Israeli government has shown reluctance to accept any proposals that do not align with its military objectives.
Hezbollah’s leadership has stated that they will only cease hostilities if there is a corresponding cease-fire in Gaza, where Israel is currently engaged in a separate conflict with Hamas. This stance complicates the diplomatic landscape, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
**Wider Impact of the Conflict**
As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian toll has been severe, with approximately 100,000 Lebanese displaced and significant casualties on both sides. The ongoing violence raises concerns of a potential full-scale war reminiscent of the 2006 conflict, which resulted in extensive destruction and loss of life in both Israel and Lebanon.
The situation continues to evolve, with military preparations ongoing and both Israeli and Hezbollah forces poised for further engagement, as the international community watches closely for any signs of a diplomatic resolution.
