Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a speech at the illegal Gush Etzion settlement in the West Bank that Israel will not withdraw from the occupied areas in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu stated that they will restore security in northern Israel, which necessitates maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon and not leaving the area as long as Israel's security needs require it.
With these remarks, the Prime Minister sent a message that Israel's presence along the Lebanon border will continue for security reasons. The speech was delivered amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Netanyahu also said that despite the agreement reached between the US and Iran, the process to end attacks on Lebanon has not been completed. The Israeli leader said, "The struggle is not over yet; we still face new challenges ahead."
Targeting the Iranian administration, Netanyahu emphasized that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons. He stated that Israel will continue to adhere to this goal.
Statement Following Iran-US Agreement
On June 14, following negotiations mediated by Pakistan, Iran and the US announced a 14-point agreement aimed at halting the war and resolving issues through dialogue.
The document, known as the Islamabad Agreement, was digitally signed late at night by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump.
The agreement included provisions such as ending the war including in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade on Iran.
Netanyahu's recent statements reaffirm Israel's intention to maintain its military and security stance along the Lebanon border immediately following this diplomatic process.