Israel rejects US-backed proposal for ceasefire with Hezbollah

Allies had called for an immediate three-week halt to avert a 'wider war'

Emergency workers arrive at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in the town of Maisara, north of Beirut. Picture: AP Photo/Bilal Hussein

Israel rejected proposals on Thursday for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, defying allies including the United States which had called for an immediate three-week halt in fighting to allow for diplomacy to avert a wider war.

"There will be no ceasefire in the north," Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on X. "We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes."