Netanyahu's Ceasefire Agreement and the Assassination of Nasrallah
In a shocking revelation, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid disclosed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously agreed to a 21-day ceasefire with the United States prior to the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Lapid stated that while in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu authorized a raid that led to Nasrallah's death on September 27, despite the proposed ceasefire agreement.
Lapid noted that American officials had confirmed Netanyahu's approval of the ceasefire, yet he personally supported the decision to eliminate Nasrallah, suggesting a shorter ceasefire of only six days instead. This stance highlights the contentious debate within Israeli politics regarding military action versus diplomatic solutions in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Lebanese Government's Response to Israeli Aggression
In response to the escalating violence, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the ongoing efforts by Arab and international allies to halt Israeli aggression in Lebanon. He described Israeli intransigence as a significant barrier to achieving a ceasefire, asserting that Lebanon's friends are actively pressuring for a temporary truce to facilitate discussions on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Mikati's remarks come as Lebanon faces a humanitarian crisis due to the displacement caused by the conflict. The Lebanese government is mobilizing resources to address the urgent needs of affected populations, emphasizing the critical nature of international support in these efforts.
Confirmations from Lebanese Officials
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib revealed that Nasrallah had agreed to the proposed ceasefire shortly before his assassination, with both American and French officials being aware of this agreement. This information raises questions about the motivations behind the Israeli raid and the implications for future negotiations.
As the conflict continues, the situation remains volatile, with Israel conducting extensive air strikes and ground incursions into southern Lebanon since September 23. The need for a sustainable resolution is more pressing than ever as both sides grapple with the consequences of their military actions.
