Israeli ministers send mixed signals over Lebanon ceasefire

Israeli leaders debate ceasefire with Lebanon amid ongoing conflict, with mixed signals from Defence and Foreign Ministers.

Israeli leaders sent mixed signals on the possibility of a ceasefire with Lebanon on Monday (November 11, 2024), with Defence Minister Israel Katz seeming to contradict comments by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Mr. Saar, who replaced Mr. Katz at the foreign ministry this week, told journalists there had been progress towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, where war has raged for more than six weeks as Israel targets Hezbollah.

"There is certain progress," Mr. Saar said after being asked about a possible ceasefire. "We are working with the Americans on the issue."

But Mr. Katz, who became defence minister this week, told a forum of top military generals that "there will be no ceasefire, and there will be no break in the strikes against Hezbollah".

However, he did add that "if the possibility arises and a good proposal is put forward that would allow us to claim victory... we will certainly consider it very seriously".

Israel escalated air strikes in late September targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and sent in ground troops a week later, on September 30.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the operation's aim is to push Hezbollah north of the Litani River, which flows across southern Lebanon.