The international community, including Israel's Western allies, has expressed significant opposition to a potential Israeli ground operation in Lebanon. This development comes as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate, with diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire faltering.
On 2024-09-25, the White House issued a joint statement endorsed by European and Asian allies, as well as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. However, by the following day, Israel Katz, Israel's Foreign Minister, rejected the proposal, stating, "There will be no cease-fire in the north."
The situation has been deteriorating since 2024-09-26, when Israel expanded its strikes on Hezbollah targets. The Lebanese health ministry reported approximately 500 casualties, including dozens of children. This escalation has led to the displacement of over 60,000 Israelis and 102,000 Lebanese civilians from the border region.
At a UN Security Council meeting on 2024-09-26, there were widespread calls for both parties to cease hostilities immediately. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, warned, "The people of Lebanon, as well as the people of Israel and the people of the world, cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza."
David Lammy, the British Foreign Secretary, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We are on the brink, the precipice. At a few minutes to midnight."
The United States, while reaffirming its commitment to Israel's defense, has stated that it is not providing support for operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, the US has secured an $8.7 billion aid package for Israel, primarily for air defense systems such as Iron Dome and David's Sling.
Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Foreign Minister, shared insights on the complexities of achieving peace in the Middle East. He emphasized the need for a combined solution involving ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon, leading to a "day-after process for Palestine." Eide expressed pessimism about the immediate prospects for averting war but urged continued efforts.
In related news, the US has announced a significant $8 billion military aid package for Ukraine ahead of Volodymyr Zelensky's White House visit. The package includes $5.5 billion in weapons from Pentagon stockpiles and $2.4 billion for future weapons systems, including air defense, drones, and air-to-ground munitions.
The AUKUS defense partnership, comprising Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is exploring the co-development of high-tech weapons to address challenges posed by China. This development comes as Lloyd Austin, the US Defense Secretary, meets with his Australian and British counterparts in London.
On the domestic front, the US Congress has reached a last-minute deal to fund the government, averting a potential shutdown. The approved package includes an additional $231 million for the US Secret Service.
Looking ahead, Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on 2024-09-27, amid expected protests in New York City. The UN General Assembly general debate is set to conclude on 2024-09-30, followed by several notable events on 2024-10-01, including a US vice presidential debate, Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday, and the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum as Mexico's president.