UK, US and allies call for 21-day ceasefire as IDF prepares for Lebanon ground invasion and Middle East holds its breath
By: David Averre, Daily Mail
The UK has joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is 'intolerable' and could plunge the Middle East into chaos.
In a joint statement, the 12-strong bloc called for a 21-day ceasefire 'to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement', as well as a ceasefire in Gaza.
The call was supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who said flatly: 'Hell is breaking loose.'
But their hopes of salvaging a peaceful solution were seemingly dismissed by Israel, with IDF chief Herzi Halevi last night visiting soldiers close to the border to tell them they must prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon.
Halevi declared: 'We are attacking all day, both to prepare the ground for the possibility of your entry [into Lebanon], but also to continue striking Hezbollah.
'Hezbollah today expanded its [range] of fire. Later today, it will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves,' he said, before adding: 'your boots... will enter enemy territory.'
Halevi's bleak declaration came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah was being hit 'with blows it never imagined' and vowed to ensure the thousands of Israelis evacuated from the northern border would soon be able to return to their homes and jobs