Netanyahu orders 'continuation of attacks in the north'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has "instructed the Israeli army to continue its attacks in the north with full force." Netanyahu stated that he has not responded to the US and French call for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon and that reports suggesting attacks in the north would be reduced are not true.

In a written statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, it was emphasized that claims suggesting Netanyahu had agreed to discuss a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon were false. The statement included the following: "The reports regarding a ceasefire are not true. Netanyahu has not responded to the US-France proposal. Reports that Israel would reduce its attacks in the north do not reflect the truth. Attacks in Gaza will also continue until all goals of the war are achieved."

Reports in the Israeli press had suggested that Netanyahu had allowed for the discussion of a three-week temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, initiated by the US and France. However, Netanyahu categorically denied these claims.

In a joint statement led by the US and France, with the participation of 8 countries including the European Union (EU), an urgent 21-day ceasefire call was made to stop the clashes between Israel and Lebanon and to open space for diplomacy. During this process, the completion of ceasefire and hostage exchange negotiations in Gaza was also requested.

A statement from the White House indicated that the US and France had called for a ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon border and had reached an agreement on the matter. However, Netanyahu's latest statements indicate that this call may remain ineffective.

Throughout the night, Israel continued its airstrikes on various regions of Lebanon. The calm that began on Wednesday evening and lasted until Thursday morning was broken by rockets fired from Lebanon. Officials noted that the recent events have increased tension in the region and could lead to civilian casualties.