Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar told Sunday's cabinet meeting that he supports the agreement with Lebanon, saying it prevents a dangerous escalation and legitimizes the IDF's continued presence in the southern Lebanon security zone. Sa'ar echoed the prime minister's earlier remarks, affirming Israel's desire for peace but identifying Hezbollah as the obstacle.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar publicly backed the emerging agreement with Lebanon during Sunday's cabinet meeting, according to a report by N12. Sa'ar stated he joins the support for the deal, arguing it prevents a slide into dangerous territory and, crucially, legitimizes the IDF's continued presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon. He stressed Israel's desire for peace with Lebanon but identified Hezbollah as the primary obstacle.
This position closely tracks the one expressed earlier by Prime Minister Netanyahu at the same meeting, as The Zioneer reported, and is part of a broader emerging political consensus. While earlier cabinet reactions were polarized—with National Security Minister Ben-Gvir calling the deal a 'historic mistake'—Finance Minister Smotrich reportedly shifted to support. Sa'ar's backing, as head of the foreign ministry, adds significant diplomatic weight and aligns Israel's diplomatic posture with the security framework the deal is intended to establish.
2 developments
- StrongForeign Minister Sa'ar: Iran, not Israel, violates Lebanese sovereignty
- StrongNetanyahu, defense chiefs reaffirm IDF will maintain security zone in southern Lebanon
- DevelopingSmotrich backs Lebanon deal, in apparent shift
- StrongSenior official: IDF will stay in Lebanon security zone to protect north, destroy terror infrastructure
Source and signal
- Internal intake