Gallant approves continued ‘offensive activity’ against Hezbollah
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant approves “the continued [Israeli military] offensive activity” in Lebanon against Hezbollah, the Time of Israeli reports, citing Gallant’s office.
According to his office, Gallant met with the army’s chief of staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, head of the Operations Directorate, Major-General Oded Basiuk, and head of the Intelligence Directorate, Major-General Shlomi Binder to approve the continuation of the army’s plans against Hezbollah.
During the meeting, four officials also observed the air raid in Beirut, which Israeli Army Radio reported was targeting a senior Hezbollah commander.
White House says Lebanon truce call ‘coordinated’ with Israel
The US White House insists that a US-led international call for a ceasefire in Lebanon was “coordinated” with Israel, despite Israel later rejecting the truce and vowing to keep fighting Hezbollah.
“The statement was indeed coordinated with the Israeli side,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, adding that talks are continuing at the UN General Assembly in New York City.
The United States, France, and several Arab and European countries called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border following intense discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday.
Israel secures more than $8.7bn in US military aid package: Ministry
Israel’s defence ministry says it has secured an $8.7bn aid package from Washington to support the country’s ongoing military efforts, including upgrading air defence systems.
“The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement … and $5.2 billion designated for air defence systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and an advanced laser system,” the ministry said in a statement.
‘Committed from very beginning to provide Israel necessary things’: US
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says the United States will continue to provide military aid to Israel no matter what happens in Lebanon and Gaza.
Asked about “red lines” for US support to Israel, Austin told reporters the US won’t change its commitment to help Israel protect itself.
“We’ve been committed from the very beginning to help Israel, provide the things that are necessary for them to be able to protect their sovereign territory, and that hasn’t changed and won’t change in the future,” Austin said after a meeting in London.
UK pushes for Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire
The United Kingdom pressed Israel and Hezbollah to quiet their guns as fears grow over a full-blown war in the Middle East.
“I urge Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Lebanese Hezbollah leaders to listen to the common voices at the United Nations to reach a ceasefire agreement. A 21-day ceasefire where talks can start and fighting can end and an opportunity for a long-term settlement may emerge,” said British Defence Secretary John Healey.
Israel says that’s not going to happen. “There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes,” Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office earlier said he has “not even responded” to the truce proposal, and ordered the military “to continue the fighting with full force”.
