UNITED NATIONS — The United States, France, and key allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border Wednesday amid escalating violence and fears of a wider Middle East conflict. The push for a truce comes as Israel intensifies airstrikes in Lebanon and considers a ground assault, while Hezbollah launches rocket attacks into Israel.
The proposed ceasefire, applying to the “Blue Line” separating the two countries, aims to pave the way for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict. A senior Biden administration official confirmed the initiative, stating that the U.S. and its allies, including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union, are urging all parties to immediately endorse the temporary truce.
“We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately,” a joint statement released by the White House declared.
The Biden administration has been engaged in discussions with Israeli and Lebanese officials for months to de-escalate tensions. The official emphasized that the current 21-day ceasefire proposal is intended to translate these discussions into a broader agreement. President Biden has prioritized the ceasefire in conversations with world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly this week, the official added.
The call for a ceasefire comes as the death toll in Lebanon climbs. Lebanese health ministry statements compiled by Reuters indicate at least 72 people have been killed and over 223 wounded. Thousands have fled their homes, with Lebanon’s foreign minister estimating that as many as half a million people may be displaced.
While welcoming the prospect of a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, pointed to Iran as the root of the regional violence. He stressed the need to dismantle the Iranian threat for lasting peace. Conversely, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, reiterated his country’s support for Hezbollah and warned against escalating the conflict. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the U.N. Security Council to pressure Israel for an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire.
The conflict in Lebanon parallels the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, also supported by Iran, placing significant pressure on the Biden administration to achieve a diplomatic resolution. The political cost of the escalating violence has been particularly high for President Biden and, by extension, Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
Earlier Wednesday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing a missile towards what it identified as the Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv. Israeli officials countered that the missile, described as heavy, was aimed at civilian areas and was successfully intercepted.
Israeli military chief General Herzi Halevi addressed troops on the Lebanese border, confirming ongoing airstrikes aimed at both preparing for a potential ground incursion and weakening Hezbollah. A Pentagon spokesperson, however, downplayed the immediacy of a ground invasion.
Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah leaders and numerous sites deep within Lebanon, while Hezbollah continues its rocket barrages into Israel. Funerals for two senior Hezbollah commanders killed in Israeli strikes drew large crowds in Beirut’s suburbs Wednesday, with mourners chanting slogans and displaying fervent support for the group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, has vowed to continue striking Hezbollah with unprecedented force. Israel prioritizes securing its northern border and facilitating the return of approximately 70,000 displaced residents.
The escalating conflict has overwhelmed Lebanese hospitals, marking the deadliest period in the country since the end of its civil war in 1990.
