Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israel is open to a ceasefire plan for Lebanon, put forth by the U.S. and its allies.
In a bid to clarify Israel’s stance before his highly anticipated address at the U.N. in New York today, Netanyahu’s office released a statement early Friday morning. The statement aimed to correct what they described as “misreporting”.
“This week, the United States communicated its intention to propose a ceasefire in Lebanon with support from other international and regional partners,” the statement explained. “Israel aligns with the U.S.-led initiative to ensure that residents near our northern border can return to their homes safely.”
On Thursday, a coalition of 12 countries, including the U.S., U.K., and France, called for a temporary ceasefire aimed at ceasing the “intolerable” violence between Israel and Hezbollah.
The proposed 21-day pause aims to create “space for diplomacy,” allowing both parties time to potentially engage in discussions. The coalition also expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Additionally, Netanyahu’s statement sought to “clarify a few points,” as outlined in the announcement.
On Wednesday, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, informed troops that continued operations in Lebanon are aimed at “preparing the ground for your possible entry and further degrading Hezbollah.”
However, on Thursday, Netanyahu’s office issued a clarification regarding the U.S.-led initiative, stating, “This is a U.S.-French proposal to which the prime minister did not respond. Reports suggesting a directive to lessen hostilities in the north are inaccurate.”
Ohad Swigenberg/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Netanyahu’s remarks come just before his Friday morning speech at the United Nations, where he is set to address the escalating security concerns in the region.
This speech was postponed from Monday due to a significant attack on Lebanon, marking the most intense conflict since the 2006 invasion.
Similar to his speech at the U.N. General Assembly in September 2023, Netanyahu is expected to warn about “the threat of a nuclear Iran” while justifying Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.