Speaking at the state memorial marking 20 years since the Second Lebanon War, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will do everything to reach a peace agreement with Lebanon. He vowed to remain in the southern Lebanon buffer zone as long as needed, and rejected an Iranian demand for withdrawal. Defense Minister Katz warned Israel would strike Iran a third time if necessary.
Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the state memorial ceremony for the 20th anniversary of the 2006 Second Lebanon War at noon Wednesday, reiterating Israel's commitment to a diplomatic resolution with Lebanon while maintaining its military posture in the southern border zone. "We will do everything to reach a peace agreement with Lebanon," he said, according to the Prime Minister's Office relay. He added that Israel will remain in the southern Lebanon buffer zone "as long as required" and will restore security and prosperity to northern residents. Netanyahu also addressed an Iranian dimension: "Iran wanted to force us to withdraw from southern Lebanon — that will not happen." Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking at the same event, said Israel has struck Iran twice and would strike a third time if necessary. The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic contacts between Israel and Lebanon, including a reported framework agreement this past weekend. The Zioneer reported earlier Wednesday on the framework agreement and Katz's warning from the same memorial event.
2 developments
- StrongNetanyahu at brother's memorial: We'll stay in Lebanon buffer zone as long as needed
- StrongNetanyahu to troops in Lebanon: 'We're not leaving until the threat is gone — a punch to the Iranian axis'
- DevelopingNetanyahu: Israel establishing buffer zone in southern Lebanon, will prevent Iran nuclear arms
- ConfirmedNetanyahu details Lebanon security-zone framework; warns Iran against attack
Source and signal
- Internal intake