Can I use setting joint compound to fix a a plaster ceiling with metal mesh lath?
I would use the faster setting durabond mix it a little dryer than what you would use on walls and press it into the metal. The faster setting is a harder to sand but it will hold up and look fine when painted. My mom's house has the steel mesh with cement, It is really hard to work with because the cement eats the metal disks and the metal eats the cement cutting wheels. But it holds up better than wood lath.
If you have any areas that are sagging from water damage I have had good luck adding some 2x4 between rafters, breaking the cement (or plaster in your case) and pulling the mesh up with screws then putting in fresh durabond 20 or 30 minute fast setting. I did this shortly after my dad passed and it still looks great after 20 years.