Israel’s prime minister indicated that he “did not even respond” to proposals aimed at bringing about a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as Israeli forces continued raining down air strikes on Lebanon.
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron published a joint statement calling for a 21-day truce, aimed at paving the way for broader negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.
Just hours later, however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rejected the idea.
“The news about a ceasefire - not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond,” his office said.
“The prime minister instructed the [Israeli army] to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to them,” it said, adding that hostilities would continue in Gaza too.
“Excuse me, Mr. Netanyahu, if it’s not too much trouble, we were wondering if you would consider taking a break from bombing the children… Mr. Netanyahu?”