Netanyahu halts Lebanon ceasefire vote after Hezbollah rejects proposal
Israeli ministers voiced strong opposition to a proposed ceasefire with Lebanon during a security cabinet meeting, though no official vote was held.
The pause came after Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected the U.S.-backed proposal, demanding instead a "comprehensive" ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his cabinet that a vote on the deal would only occur once Hezbollah formally accepts its terms. "Hezbollah rejected it, and therefore I am not bringing it to a vote," the daily quoted Netanyahu as saying.
Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to push for a harsher military offensive. "Go to the United States and take children from Kiryat Shmona and Metula with you," Ben-Gvir reportedly told the Prime Minister. "Tell Trump: We love you, but we must strike Hezbollah’s vulnerable points in Beirut’s Dahieh district. Even if it causes an escalation, a ground maneuver is necessary. Our soldiers are more important."
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/320517 |