US and Allies Push for 21-Day Cease-fire Between Israel, Hezbollah
The United States, France, and several allies have called for a 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, while also advocating for a truce in Gaza. The joint statement, released by the White House following an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Lebanon, emphasized the risk of regional escalation since Hezbollah began attacking northern Israel on October 8, 2023, following Hamas’s assault on southern Israel the day prior.
Israel welcomed the cease-fire proposal but warned that military force would be used if conditions for safely returning residents to their homes were not met. A US official indicated that decisions from both Israel and Lebanon, which has been coordinating with Hezbollah, could be made soon.
The conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has worsened over the past week, raising concerns that the war could expand across the Middle East. The statement, signed by multiple nations, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, stressed the need for diplomacy, stating, “This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.”
While Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed support for diplomacy, he warned that Israel would not hesitate to act if talks fail. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati also backed the cease-fire, emphasizing the need for Israeli adherence to international agreements.
