Thu Sep 26 14:11:26 UTC 2024: ## Israel Rejects Ceasefire Proposal, Intensifies Offensive Against Hezbollah
**BEIRUT, LEBANON -** Israel has firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States and France, vowing to continue its offensive against the Hezbollah terrorist group in Lebanon with “full force”.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement on Thursday, denying reports of an impending ceasefire agreement. The statement clarified that the Prime Minister had not even responded to the proposal, which also included support from the European Union and several Arab states.
“The report about the purported directive to ease up on the fighting in the north is the opposite of the truth,” Netanyahu’s office stated. “The Prime Minister has directed the IDF to continue fighting with full force, according to the plan that was presented to him.”
The statement also dismissed rumors of a ceasefire deal with Hamas in Gaza, affirming that the fighting there will continue until all objectives of the operation are achieved.
Israel’s military has been relentless in its offensive against Hezbollah, carrying out numerous airstrikes that have targeted key infrastructure, weapons depots, and senior commanders. These strikes have significantly weakened Hezbollah’s capabilities and command structure, according to the IDF.
On Thursday, the IDF confirmed that a targeted strike in Beirut eliminated the head of Hezbollah’s drone force, known as Abu Salah. This follows the killing of another senior Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil, last week.
The IDF is also focused on dislodging Hezbollah from Israel’s northern border and securing the safe return of over 70,000 civilians displaced by the terrorist group’s cross-border rocket attacks.
The ongoing conflict has raised international concern, but Israel’s resolute stance has made it clear that they will not back down until their security objectives are met. The situation remains tense, with no immediate signs of a ceasefire in sight.
First Piper 