Netanyahu Boasts of Lebanon Deal, Escalates Rhetoric Against Iran

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran attempted to force Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a move he stated would not happen. He asserted that Israel will remain in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary and pledged to exert all efforts toward achieving a peace agreement with Lebanon.

Netanyahu described Lebanon as a very beautiful country and stated that Israel has destroyed a large portion of villages adjacent to its border, which he alleged were utilized by terrorists in southern Lebanon. He further noted the establishment of an extensive buffer zone along the northern border.

The Israeli Prime Minister asserted that Israel will not accept a situation where a terrorist army could advance toward its borders or excavate tunnels of unimaginable depth, allowing them to cross into Israeli territory. He emphasized that this security zone separates those seeking to harm Israel from its citizens.

Netanyahu stated that Israel will remain in this security strip in southern Lebanon for as long as required, aiming to restore security and well-being to the residents of the north, mirroring efforts made for the residents of the south. He pointed out that the Gaza envelope is now inside Gaza and the Lebanon envelope is now inside Lebanon, characterizing this as a very important lesson.

He claimed that for the first time in decades, representatives of Israel have engaged in direct negotiations with representatives of the Lebanese government, mediated by the United States. He highlighted a historical breakthrough achieved a few days prior with the signing of a memorandum of understanding that separates the Lebanese arena from the Iranian arena.

Netanyahu asserted that this agreement recognizes Israel’s right to maintain a buffer zone within Lebanon until the threat posed by Hezbollah to Israel’s security is resolved. He stressed that the military and political blow dealt to Hezbollah and Iran cannot be underestimated, concluding that Israel will never be held hostage by Iran’s executive arm.