Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said overnight that Israel "shares the aims" of a U.S.-led initiative for achieving a ceasefire on Lebanon, after remarks by him and other Israeli officials appeared to pour cold water on the proposal hours earlier.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said that he has done “everything necessary to protect Lebanon” in the face of Israel’s escalation, noting that foreign and Arab powers have supported Lebanon’s stance.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Thursday that he has approved more “offensive operations” in Lebanon, together with the army chief, the head of the intelligence division and the head of the army’s operations division.

The diplomatic efforts are advancing and expect a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire soon, sources informed on the negotiations in New York told Lebanon’s MTV on Thursday.

The Biden administration is working on a new diplomatic initiative for a "pause" in the fighting in Lebanon and a resumption of negotiations on a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, two U.S. officials, one Israeli official and two sources with direct knowledge told U.S. news portal Axios.

Israel’s Northern Command chief General Ori Gordin inspected an army exercise on Lebanon’s border on Tuesday and said troops there “must prepare very strongly to move to a ground maneuver.”

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper on Wednesday that he is carrying out “serious efforts” with international parties, including the U.S., to halt the ongoing Israeli escalation against Lebanon.

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib has participated in the opening session of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in the presence of U..N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and a large number of world leaders, kings and heads of state.

A Lebanese security source said an Israeli strike hit Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold Tuesday, with the Israel army confirming it carried out a "targeted" strike in Beirut's southern suburbs.

At least six people were killed and 15 others wounded in the strike, the Health Ministry said.

Washington is conducting negotiations on the security developments between Lebanon and Israel on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, sources have told Sky News Arabia.