Netanyahu defies Trump ceasefire call, vows to continue Lebanon offensive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump's ceasefire announcement, stating that Israeli forces will continue their offensive in southern Lebanon and striking Beirut if Hezbollah does not cease attacks on Israeli cities, according to Middle East Monitor. This directly contradicts Trump's claim that Israel and Hezbollah had reached an understanding to halt hostilities, marking a significant escalation despite diplomatic pressure from Washington.