Netanyahu visits southern Lebanon, pledges long‑term Israeli security zone

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz, toured the Israeli‑held security zone in southern Lebanon. He said the operation aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure and warned that Israeli forces will remain in the area "as long as the threat persists." Netanyahu emphasized that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon but will not withdraw while Hezbollah retains capability to threaten northern Israeli communities.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the 2006 Lebanon war, Netanyahu described Lebanon as a "beautiful" country suffering under a "fanatical sect" and outlined a vision for a lasting peace. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to a security buffer along the north‑border and pledged to continue actions against what he termed the Iranian‑Hezbollah axis. The remarks also referenced ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran aimed at curbing hostilities in the region.