Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Thursday rejected proposals for a ceasefire in Lebanon after France and the United States called for a 21-day halt in the fighting to allow time to reach a diplomatic solution.

"There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," he said in a statement on the social media platform X.

The remark also came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied media reports that he has ordered to tone down fighting in Lebanon amid discussion of the ceasefire deal.

France on Wednesday unveiled a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in UN diplomacy with the United States as the death toll mounted in deadly strikes by Israel. 

(With input from agencies)