Netanyahu Claims Beirut Agrees to Israeli Presence in Southern Lebanon, Cites Deal on Hezbollah Disarmament
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to establish two security zones for a trial implementation of Hezbollah disarmament. Netanyahu asserted that the Lebanese government has consented to Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon, stating that the United States and Lebanon have agreed to Israel’s continued presence in these security zones.
Netanyahu further alleged that an agreement has been reached that could lead to the cessation of conflict with Lebanon, attributing this development to strikes previously carried out against Hezbollah. He also claimed that Israel is continuing to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and that numerous missions remain. The Israeli Prime Minister, who has sought U.S. assistance to counter Hezbollah attacks, asserted that approximately 90 percent of Hezbollah’s missile arsenal has been destroyed. He also stated that Israel controls the Shqif region in southern Lebanon and intends to remain there.
Netanyahu reportedly instructed Israeli forces to have operational freedom to counter any threats in Lebanon. He reiterated his opposition to any actions aimed at forcing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, adding that Washington and Beirut are now informing Tehran that the matter does not concern them. He presented the agreement as a personal achievement, suggesting it could evolve into a peace accord. Netanyahu claimed this agreement would bolster the strength of Israel and Lebanon while weakening Iran and Hezbollah. He expressed gratitude to the Lebanese government for what he described as courage.
The Israeli Prime Minister also suggested that further agreements would be reached soon as part of a plan to reshape the region. Acknowledging the vulnerability of Israel, Netanyahu stated that Hezbollah’s suicide drones remain a significant challenge. He indicated that operations against any immediate threats in Lebanon are ongoing, reporting that seven Hezbollah members were targeted the previous day in a residence away from their deployed forces. Netanyahu claimed that by signing this agreement, the Lebanese government is effectively telling Iran and Hezbollah to leave Lebanon and cease their interference. He announced the commencement of withdrawal from the trial areas in the villages of Zawtar al-Sharqiyya and Freoun in southern Lebanon.
Regarding Gaza, Netanyahu claimed that Israel is close to controlling approximately 70 percent of the Gaza Strip and has Hamas under siege. He stated that Israel will enter Lebanon and act forcefully whenever necessary, citing a lack of action from the Lebanese government. Netanyahu asserted that for the first time, the Lebanese government is signaling a desire for peace with Israel, characterizing this as a fundamental shift. The Israeli Prime Minister announced that Israel was not a negotiating party in the Iran-U.S. agreement but would communicate its interests to Washington. In a continuation of his anti-Palestinian stance, Netanyahu declared that any future cabinet he forms would not include a two-state solution. He concluded by stating that a delegation would be sent to Washington to present Israel’s views and security considerations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
