Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told his New Zealand counterpart on Monday that Israel does not seek territory in Lebanon, but will not withdraw from the security zone or endanger Israeli civilians. The statement, issued by the Foreign Ministry, reaffirms Jerusalem's public position amid internal debate over the northern front.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reaffirmed Israel's stated diplomatic position on Monday, telling his New Zealand counterpart that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. The comment, issued by the Foreign Ministry, came hours before a scheduled phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
Saar's formulation — no territorial ambitions, but no withdrawal from the security zone — mirrors language used by the Israeli ambassador over the weekend, which was contradicted by senior coalition ministers who publicly called for an indefinite military hold in southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday evening that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from the Beaufort Castle area, which he described as an inseparable part of the security zone.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself said on Sunday that Israel will maintain security buffer zones in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon for as long as required. The contrast between the top diplomat's message — aimed at the international community — and the security cabinet's operational stance reflects an ongoing internal debate over how to reconcile diplomatic pressure with military realities on the northern front.
As The Zioneer reported on June 15, Netanyahu told ministers there would be no immunity for Beirut or Tehran despite diplomatic pressures, and IDF representatives clarified there would be no withdrawal to the border. The New Zealand call is part of a broader diplomatic effort by Saar to reassure international partners; earlier this month he told Japan's foreign minister that Israel is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake