Israel intensifies military strikes on Lebanon despite U.S. peace plan offer

Israeli airstrikes intensified in the southern suburbs of Beirut, hitting near Tayouneh junction, an area where Hezbollah is in control. The U.S. proposed a truce to end fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, which includes the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. Talks are ongoing, with hopes of an announcement soon. Lebanese officials believe Israel may back out of a ceasefire as in the past. Israel is demanding the freedom to act if Hezbollah returns to the border areas, which Lebanon rejects. The World Bank estimates the economic cost of the conflict in Lebanon at $8.5 billion. The health ministry in Lebanon reported over 3,000 people killed in Israeli attacks since October, while Hezbollah attacks have resulted in about 100 casualties in northern Israel and southern Lebanon. The U.N. peacekeeping mission, led by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, would support Lebanese forces during a ceasefire, but not directly enforce it. The conflict is a major concern as Lebanon is still recovering from a financial collapse years ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a ceasefire, with hopes of delivering a foreign policy win to President-elect Donald Trump. The Biden administration is also working towards peace in the region before Trump takes office.

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