In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoff has called for a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon to prevent further escalation. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the UN summit. Netanyahu is ready to continue talks but is not interested in a ceasefire, Schoff said today before the start of a cabinet meeting. This was reported by the National Information Agency of the Netherlands (ANP), quoted by BTA.
Shortly after returning from New York, Schoff said he believed a decision was relatively close. The talks are continuing and according to him, Netanyahu is ready to continue the negotiations.
The US and France have proposed a temporary ceasefire for 21 days, with the Netherlands backing the plan. Israel said almost immediately after the Franco-American initiative was announced that it disagreed with it. The country is currently preparing for a ground offensive in Lebanon.
Schoff called for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in his speech to the UN General Assembly. According to him, a major regional war must be "prevented at all costs".
Israeli bombings in Lebanon have already resulted in hundreds of casualties. Israel wants an end to Hezbollah's shelling of the country.