Netanyahu at IDF officer graduation: We'll stay in Lebanon's buffer zone; Iran won't get nukes

Speaking at the IDF officer course graduation ceremony in southern Israel Thursday evening, Prime Minister Netanyahu underscored achievements in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. He vowed Israel will remain in the security buffer zone in southern Lebanon as long as needed and declared that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons while he is prime minister. The audience reportedly reacted with both applause and jeers to parts of the speech.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a wide-ranging address Thursday evening at the IDF Officer Training School (Bahad 1) graduation ceremony, defending Israel's military operations and laying out red lines for the northern and Iranian fronts.

Netanyahu said the IDF has achieved significant results in Gaza, Lebanon, and against Iran, and insisted Israel will maintain a permanent security buffer zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary. He also stated unequivocally that Iran will not be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons under his leadership. The prime minister said the military retains full freedom of action against threats in Lebanon and that more work remains against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Some in the audience reportedly jeered during sections of the speech, a rare public breach of protocol at a military ceremony, though others applauded — reflecting the politically charged atmosphere around the government's war policy.

The address follows a similar statement the same evening by the prime minister, as The Zioneer reported earlier on Thursday. The remarks are consistent with Netanyahu's repeated assurances over the past week regarding the southern Lebanon buffer zone and the nuclear red line on Iran.

4 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 20:09 · 25 JunLatest

   Claims crushing Iran's nuclear threat and confirms killing Hamas commander Al-Haddad.

2. 20:08 · 25 Jun

   Netanyahu vowed to prevent a nuclear Iran regardless of any future deal.

3. 20:04 · 25 Jun

   Audience reacted with applause and jeers; Netanyahu pledged Iran won't get nukes.

• Strong18:34 · 8 JunNetanyahu: Israel eliminated nuclear threat, will respond forcefully if Iran attacks
• Developing21:46 · 15 JunNetanyahu says Israel and US removed 'immediate' nuclear threat, 'saved state from annihilation'
• Strong2 hours ago · 19:56 · 25 JunNetanyahu: IDF controls nearly 70% of Gaza Strip; vows no withdrawal from Lebanon buffer zone
• Strong22:33 · 15 JunNetanyahu: Iran will not get nuclear weapons — with or without a deal

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