Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israel does not plan to withdraw from what it describes as the 'security zone' in southern Lebanon at this time. He emphasized that Israeli forces will remain as long as security needs dictate.
Netanyahu stated that his government has given clear directives to the military to take all necessary measures to protect the residents of northern Israel, citing ongoing security challenges on the northern front that require military readiness and preventive operations.
He also mentioned that the confrontation is not over, pointing to additional tasks concerning Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. This underscores Israel’s ongoing strategy to address perceived threats on multiple fronts.
Netanyahu remarked that Israel will achieve "peace with part of its enemies," declaring that "the strong prevail, and there is no place for the weak."
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz reiterated the refusal to withdraw from the 'security zone' within Lebanese territory. He affirmed that the Israeli security establishment opposes such a move despite the external pressures on Israel concerning this issue.
Katz explained that the military will maintain its current positions, arguing that a withdrawal under current circumstances does not align with the security requirements set by Israel to protect its northern borders and prevent potential threats.
These statements come amid ongoing debate about the future of the Israeli military presence in Lebanon, with repeated international calls to implement security agreements and withdraw from the positions still held by Israeli forces along the southern border.