Israeli defence minister says new operations in Lebanon approved

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said attacks would continue in Lebanon despite international efforts to secure a ceasefire.

"I have approved the next set of operations," Gallant posted on X.

"We continue to eliminate Hezbollah terrorists, dismantle offensive infrastructure, and destroy rockets and missiles. The missions ahead of us are clear, and we are determined to ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes."

Gallant met on Thursday with senior military officials to discuss Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon, including near the capital Beirut.

A joint demand for a ceasefire lasting 21 days was earlier issued by a handful of countries, including the US, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

The pause is intended to create space for a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as the nearly year-long Gaza war.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office dismissed the plan and said that no truce was imminent.