Western nations were weighing their options on Thursday on how to safely get nationals out of Lebanon if a full-scale war breaks out, diplomats said, with Cyprus and possibly Turkey seen as offering sanctuary to tens of thousands of people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the military would maintain its bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon indefinitely, while engaging with efforts by the US and allies to secure a cease-fire that would ease the risk of a regional war.

Israel carried out strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, which it said killed a Hezbollah commander, as the US and allies call for a 21-day ceasefire. Follow for live news updates.

The prime minister urged Israel and Hezbollah to "stop the violence" in his first speech to the UN General Assembly.

Israel ordered the military to maintain its bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and denied interest in a truce, a setback for efforts by the U.S. and allies to de-escalate hostilities. “There will be no cease-fire,

Senior US officials were practically triumphant Wednesday night: The United States and a large number of its allies had nailed down a proposal after days of feverish talks that would put in place a ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border.