Israel rejects ceasefire plans, says goal to ‘crush’ Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has turned down a 21-day ceasefire proposal, stating that the offensive should conclude with Hezbollah’s defeat. The US and its allies had suggested the ceasefire to prevent further escalation. Israeli airstrikes have hit multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, as concerns about a full-scale war grow.