Israeli PM distances from U.S.-backed temporary ceasefire as fighting with Hezbollah intensifies, stirring tensions with Washington.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shifted away from a previously understood ceasefire agreement with the Biden administration, rejecting a U.S.-backed proposal for a 21-day ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The move follows threats from far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s government and pressure from opposition leaders, signaling a potential increase in tensions with the U.S.
The ceasefire, supported by the U.S., France, and other Western and Arab nations, was proposed as a means to de-escalate the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. U.S. officials believed Netanyahu was aligned with the plan, seeing it as a way to avoid deeper military entanglement. However, after criticism from key ultra-nationalist ministers, Netanyahu retracted his support, emphasizing that Israel would continue its military operations “with all our might.”
Netanyahu’s public distancing from the ceasefire comes amid ongoing rocket and drone strikes from Hezbollah and retaliatory airstrikes by Israel. More than 700 people have died in Lebanon over the last 10 days, including many civilians, as Israeli airstrikes target Hezbollah’s infrastructure.
The ceasefire discussions began after a call between U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. Both sides reportedly agreed on the necessity of a temporary halt to avoid the dangers of a full-scale ground invasion. However, Netanyahu’s public stance has since changed, with the Israeli leader now doubling down on military action rather than a diplomatic pause.
The U.S. had hoped Netanyahu would publicly welcome the ceasefire proposal, positioning it as a necessary diplomatic step. Instead, Netanyahu’s shift towards a more aggressive stance has complicated U.S. efforts. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that the Biden administration does not see war in Lebanon as a solution, pointing to the ceasefire as the best path to restoring safety and stability in the region.
Despite Netanyahu’s retraction, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are continuing discussions to push for the ceasefire. Diplomatic sources indicate the talks are ongoing, with U.S. officials expressing hope that Israel might reconsider the initiative in the coming days.
Netanyahu’s decision to distance himself from the ceasefire reflects domestic political pressures. Far-right ministers like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have threatened to vote against the coalition if Netanyahu agrees to a ceasefire. These ultranationalist figures oppose any temporary halt in military operations, favoring a more hardline approach to Hezbollah.
At the same time, opposition leaders have criticized Netanyahu for lacking a clear strategy, with some accusing him of undermining Israel’s long-term security for short-term political gains.
While Netanyahu’s public statements suggest further military escalation, U.S. officials, along with French and Arab partners, continue to push for diplomacy. U.S. ambassador to Israel Jack Lew emphasized the importance of the ceasefire, stating, “Conditions in the north of Israel and the south of Lebanon must change to permit their safe return.”
The ongoing diplomatic efforts will be key in determining whether Israel will eventually agree to a temporary ceasefire or continue its aggressive military strategy. With rising civilian casualties in Lebanon and mounting international pressure, Netanyahu’s next moves will have significant implications for both regional stability and Israel’s relationship with its Western allies.
As Israel continues its military offensive against Hezbollah, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to distance himself from the U.S.-led ceasefire proposal signals rising domestic and international tensions. The outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts in New York, coupled with internal political dynamics in Israel, will shape the course of the conflict in the coming days.
