Source: Reuters
“Hardline partners in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition on Thursday rejected proposals from the United States and France that would see a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to allow time for a diplomatic solution to be reached. Netanyahu, who left Israel on Thursday to address the United Nations, has yet to respond directly to the ceasefire proposal. … On Wednesday, Israel’s army chief made the most explicit public comment on the possibility of a ground assault on Lebanon, telling troops near the border to be prepared for going across. It was not immediately clear whether the comments were a precursor to a ground operation or a negotiating tactic designed to pressure Hezbollah to back down. Israel has also boosted forces on the northern border and called up two extra reserve brigades to the northern sector on Wednesday.” (09/26/24)