British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has put forward a proposal to establish a security zone within Lebanese territory, extending five kilometers deep, in a bid to reduce tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, according to Israeli media reports on Saturday evening.
Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that the Lebanese Hezbollah has rejected the proposal, highlighting the ongoing complexities in the region.
In a recent statement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant refuted any suggestion of a ceasefire in Lebanon, affirming Israel’s stance on continuing its military operations in the area.
Gallant emphasized that Hezbollah should not misconstrue Israel’s intentions, indicating that the cessation of hostilities in Gaza does not imply a similar approach in Lebanon.
“As long as we have not achieved a situation where the residents of the north can safely return, we will not cease fire in Lebanon,” Gallant stated, underscoring Israel’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and maintaining security in the northern part of the country.
This development comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with both sides maintaining firm positions.
The UK’s proposal aims to create a buffer that could potentially ease the situation, but the immediate rejection by Hezbollah and Israel’s ongoing military commitment indicate a challenging path ahead for diplomatic efforts.