Tensions Escalate as Hopes for Israel-Hezbollah Truce Dim

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed hopes for an imminent truce with Hezbollah, despite a call from the U.S. and allies for a 21-day cease-fire. Tensions escalated further as Israel and Hezbollah continued heavy exchanges of fire, raising fears of an all-out war. Meanwhile, Israeli families of hostages pushed for truce provisions to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to downplay hopes for an imminent truce with Hezbollah after the United States and its allies called for a 21-day cease-fire to allow space for diplomacy. In a statement, Netanyahu's office mentioned that the proposal was still on the table, but he had not responded. The statement also denied directives to ease fighting on the northern border with Lebanon.

The comments stirred questions regarding a new international initiative aimed at halting the escalating conflict, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths in Lebanon. Israel threatened a ground invasion of Lebanon to push Hezbollah away from the border, following an Israeli strike that killed 23 people.

Families of hostages in Israel urged for the cease-fire deal to include provisions for the Gaza conflict, highlighting the interconnected nature of the northern and southern fronts. As Israeli forces struck numerous sites in Lebanon, tensions rose, casting doubts on the potential for a truce.

(With inputs from agencies.)