Netanyahu to troops in Lebanon: 'We're not leaving until the threat is gone — a punch to the Iranian axis'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz conducted a high-level tour of IDF positions inside southern Lebanon on Tuesday evening. The visit, which included briefings from Northern Command head Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and 91st Division commanders, served to reinforce Israel's strategic posture following the framework agreement with the Lebanese government. During the tour, Netanyahu was presented with a display of counter-drone munitions and innovative weaponry tailored for the current theater.

Degrading the Iranian Axis

Addressing the troops, Netanyahu provided a strategic assessment of the campaign against Hezbollah. He stated that the organization, which entered the conflict with approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles—the densest concentration of such weaponry on earth—has seen its arsenal reduced to roughly 8% of its pre-war capacity. He further reported that the IDF has eliminated approximately 9,000 Hezbollah operatives, including hundreds in recent weeks. Netanyahu framed these achievements as part of a broader effort to dismantle the Iranian-led axis, noting that Israel's willingness to strike directly in Iran has removed existential threats.

The Buffer Zone Doctrine

The Prime Minister emphasized that the establishment of security zones on the enemy's side of the border—both in Lebanon and Gaza—represents a fundamental shift in Israel's defense concept. "We do not allow a terrorist army to sit on our border," Netanyahu told the soldiers, confirming that the IDF is systematically destroying all surface and sub-surface infrastructure. He issued a clear operational mandate: "If you identify a threat to your security, to your lives—act. Do not wait. This is an iron directive."

Strategic Outlook

Netanyahu clarified that the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon will persist until the threat is fully neutralized. He noted that the mutual recognition between Israel and Lebanon, alongside the demand for Iranian and Hezbollah forces to depart, constitutes a significant blow to Tehran's regional ambitions. "We are not leaving southern Lebanon as long as an armed Hezbollah is here and threatening us," the Prime Minister concluded, signaling that the IDF will maintain its buffer zone for the foreseeable future to ensure the security of northern residents.