Hezbollah and Israeli sources hint at rejection of ceasefire efforts as diplomatic efforts intensify.

Efforts led by the United States and France to broker a three-week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah have been met with rejection by both parties, according to Arab media outlets. The ceasefire was intended to pave the way for broader negotiations and alleviate the growing tension along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Diplomatic Push by US and France

In recent weeks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French President Emmanuel Macron have been actively seeking a diplomatic solution to prevent a broader war between Hezbollah and Israel. Their proposal calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities for 21 days, enforced by international monitors, to allow humanitarian aid to reach affected areas in southern Lebanon and northern Israel and to open space for negotiations.

“We believe a temporary ceasefire can create the necessary conditions for diplomacy to succeed,” a senior US official involved in the talks stated. Meanwhile, Macron, during a recent speech in Paris, said, “The stakes are high. Continued fighting only strengthens the most extreme elements on both sides. We need to act now.”

Arab Reports: Rejection on Both Sides

However, according to reports from Arab media, Hezbollah has dismissed the ceasefire proposal, citing it as insufficient without more meaningful concessions from Israel. A source close to Hezbollah was quoted in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar stating, “We cannot accept a ceasefire while Israel continues to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty. Any truce must include commitments to halt Israeli airstrikes and military incursions.”

On the Israeli side, the government has been equally dismissive. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a closed meeting, “We cannot accept a ceasefire that allows Hezbollah to regroup and reinforce its military infrastructure. Our goal remains the complete dismantling of their offensive capabilities.”

Another senior Israeli official, speaking to Haaretz, stated, “Hezbollah has launched numerous attacks on Israeli territory, targeting civilians. We will not stop our military operations unless there are guarantees that Hezbollah disarms.”

Hezbollah’s Escalation

Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group based in Lebanon, has significantly escalated its rocket and missile attacks on northern Israel in recent weeks. The violence has resulted in casualties on both sides, with Israel responding with heavy airstrikes and artillery shelling on Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon.

Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, in a recent televised speech, indicated that Hezbollah would not stand down unless Israel made significant concessions. “We are ready for prolonged resistance, and any negotiations must respect Lebanon’s right to defend itself,” he declared.

Israel, in turn, continues its defense operations, arguing that Hezbollah poses an existential threat. IDF officials have emphasized that their military actions are targeted at neutralizing Hezbollah’s missile stockpiles and preventing further cross-border attacks.

International Concerns and Pressure

Despite the initial rejection, the US and France have continued their diplomatic outreach, engaging key regional players, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to mediate talks. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called for restraint from both sides, urging them to “prioritize dialogue over military escalation.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation, calling for both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire. “The humanitarian situation on both sides of the border is deeply concerning, and continued hostilities will only lead to further suffering,” Guterres said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the European Union has lent its support to the ceasefire initiative. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the need for a ceasefire as a “precondition for any lasting peace” in the region.

Humanitarian Toll

The fighting has taken a heavy toll on civilians in both Israel and Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis living in the north have been forced into bomb shelters, and the Israeli government has evacuated some towns close to the Lebanese border.

In Lebanon, large parts of southern Beirut and other Hezbollah-controlled areas have been heavily bombarded. The Lebanese Red Cross reports that thousands of civilians have been displaced, and the country’s already fragile infrastructure has suffered further damage.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that Lebanon, which is still recovering from its economic crisis and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, is ill-equipped to handle another full-blown conflict. “The people of Lebanon cannot afford another war. The international community must act to prevent further escalation,” said a spokesperson for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

Ceasefire Rejected, But Diplomacy Continues

While both Hezbollah and Israel appear to have rejected the initial ceasefire proposal, diplomatic sources remain hopeful that ongoing discussions will eventually bear fruit. “It’s not uncommon for parties to reject early proposals in conflicts like this. The key is sustained diplomatic engagement,” said an official from the French Foreign Ministry.

With tensions still running high, and no end to the violence in sight, the window for a ceasefire appears narrow. Both sides remain entrenched, and unless a significant diplomatic breakthrough occurs, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is poised to continue.