Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter said Friday that Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as required, while simultaneously working to strengthen the Lebanese army and government against Iranian efforts to destabilize the country, according to Israel Hayom.
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter reiterated on Friday that Israel will maintain its presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as the security situation demands, while simultaneously seeking ways to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Lebanese government against Iranian attempts to foment instability, according to Israel Hayom.
The remarks align with recent statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared at a policy conference on June 21 that Israel would hold security buffer zones in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon indefinitely. Israeli defense officials have repeatedly affirmed the IDF's commitment to the southern Lebanon zone, including in a late-night command call on June 23 involving Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
Leiter's statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States. The ambassador's framing — stressing both a continued Israeli military presence and parallel support for Lebanese state institutions — reflects Israel's stated dual-track approach: defending its northern communities while seeking to weaken Iranian influence in Lebanon. The remark did not address any specific timetable or new operational developments.
2 developments
- StrongIsrael's US envoy: No withdrawal from southern Lebanon under Iran deal
- StrongIsraeli Ambassador: 'Israel fully committed to ceasefire, halts offensive operations'
- DevelopingNetanyahu declares Israel will hold security zones in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon as long as needed
- DevelopingIsraeli ambassador: Israel will act against immediate and developing threats to its civilians, soldiers
Source and signal
- Internal intake