Netanyahu details Lebanon security-zone framework; warns Iran against attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the new agreement reached in Washington between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States as a "historic achievement" that effectively signals Lebanon's break from Iranian and Hezbollah influence. The framework establishes that the IDF will remain in the designated security zone until Hezbollah is fully disarmed and no longer poses a threat to Israeli territory. Netanyahu emphasized that the agreement prevents Iran from forcing a unilateral Israeli withdrawal and ensures that Tehran and its proxies will have "no role" in Lebanon's future.

Security Zone and Pilot Areas

Under the framework, Israel will retain control of its original security zone, positioned outside the range of anti-tank missiles. Netanyahu revealed that two pilot areas have been designated for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to begin assuming control, based on IDF recommendations. One pilot zone is located south of the Litani River, while the second is north of the river in a section of the expanded security zone that the IDF has determined it does not need to hold. The Prime Minister stressed that Israel maintains full freedom of military action throughout the sector to remove any emerging threats.

Degradation of Hezbollah and Warning to Iran

Netanyahu provided an assessment of the military campaign, claiming that Hezbollah's pre-war arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles has been reduced by 90%. He cited the elimination of over 200 militants in the past two weeks and approximately 9,000 since the war began, alongside the destruction of tunnels and bunkers. Addressing regional tensions, Netanyahu warned that Israel is not bound by any separate U.S.-Iran understandings and will send a delegation to Washington to present its position on Iran's nuclear program. He concluded with a direct warning to Tehran, stating that Israel will respond forcefully to any further attacks.