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Netanyahu said the length of it would depend on what happened in Lebanon
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned all forms and acts of terrorism and called for the release of all hostages, referring to the Israeli hostages seized on Oct 7, 2023 by Hamas and held in Gaza Strip. (Image: REUTERS FILE/REPRESENTATIVE)
India has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that commenced on Wednesday morning. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, mentioning that it has “always called for de-escalation, restraint, and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy”.
“We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region,” the full statement read.
Speaking about the ceasefire, Netanyahu said the length of it would depend on what happened in Lebanon.
“We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. We will continue united until victory,” he said.
The war in Lebanon followed nearly a year of limited cross-border exchanges of fire begun by Hezbollah. The Lebanese group said it was acting in support of Hamas after the Palestinian group’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.
The Israeli PM listed three reasons for opting for a ceasefire pact. The first reason was to focus on the Iranian threat, but he did not want to expand.
His second was to give the forces a pause and replenish stocks. “And I say it openly, it is no secret that there have been big delays in weapons and munitions deliveries. These delays will be resolved soon. We will receive supplies of advanced weaponry that will keep our soldiers safe and give us more strike force to complete our mission,” he said.
He said the third reason for having a ceasefire was to separate the fronts and isolate Hamas. “From day two of the war, Hamas was counting on Hezbollah to fight by its side. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left on its own. We will increase our pressure on Hamas and that will help us in our sacred mission of releasing our hostages,” he added.
