Senior US officials were cautiously optimistic on Wednesday night after securing a ceasefire proposal with the support of numerous allies, aiming to establish a truce along the Israel-Lebanon border. The agreement, which was announced following intense negotiations, was lauded as "an important breakthrough" during a hurried call with the press. The proposed 21-day ceasefire was designed to allow for diplomatic efforts and prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly dismissed the multinational proposal. His office first issued a statement deeming any imminent ceasefire reports as "incorrect," asserting that the IDF would continue operations with "full force." Netanyahu later reinforced this stance to the media upon his arrival in New York City, stating, "We will not cease our efforts against Hezbollah until we achieve all our objectives."

A day after the White House's ceasefire announcement, there has been no indication from either Israel or Hezbollah that they are prepared to accept the proposal. Israel's initial response was a surprise, raising questions about why Netanyahu seemed so eager to reject it if Israel was indeed in agreement. "We are shocked," expressed a US official, highlighting the frustration after expecting Israel's acceptance. "Not a complete surprise, but also not helpful," added another, hinting at potential domestic political motivations influencing Netanyahu's stance.

There were whispers in Washington that Netanyahu's rejection could be attributed to domestic politics, as right-wing Israeli ministers, crucial to his governing coalition, voiced their disapproval of a US-backed ceasefire. A US source suggested that the Israeli government might be swayed by negative domestic reactions, expressing frustration that the US would not have announced the proposal without strong private indications of Israeli acceptance.

Discussions on the ceasefire began on Monday with a conversation between Ron Dermer, one of Netanyahu's closest confidants, and Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser. The US was under the impression that Netanyahu would support a pause in hostilities and was encouraged to collaborate with French officials on a statement advocating for a 21-day ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Thursday that it would be a "mistake" for Netanyahu to reject the ceasefire but acknowledged that the United States would need to increase pressure on Israel to accept its terms.

Netanyahu's apparent reversal was a significant disappointment for some officials and underscored a reality that has persisted for months: Netanyahu's willingness to publicly oppose Biden, especially when facing internal political opposition in Israel.

In a Thursday night statement, the prime minister's office recognized the goals of the US-led initiative, stating that "Israel appreciates US efforts" and promised that discussions would continue "in the coming days."

White House officials faced a barrage of questions from reporters on Thursday, with no clear answers. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted that the multi-nation statement was "indeed coordinated with the Israeli side," and that discussions in New York were "ongoing," without explaining Netanyahu's disinterest in the temporary ceasefire.

White House spokesman John Kirby was more candid, admitting that he could not explain Netanyahu's comments. "I can't speak for Prime Minister Netanyahu," he told reporters, adding that the statement released Wednesday night would not have been possible without the belief that Netanyahu and his government were on board.

For now, administration officials maintain that discussions are ongoing and express hope for a resolution within hours. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with top Israeli officials in New York on Thursday afternoon, even as many US officials considered the possibility that Netanyahu may not agree to the ceasefire.

Dermer and Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog were noncommittal when asked  if they would accept the ceasefire proposal, with Dermer suggesting that "less is more" in diplomacy and indicating that their day of meetings was just beginning.