Netanyahu in southern Lebanon buffer zone: 'Every threat, act — we stay'

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz visited the Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon. Netanyahu told troops there that Israel will remain deployed in the buffer zone as long as Hezbollah poses a threat, repeating his operational directive to engage any identified threat.

Tuesday afternoon's visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to IDF troops stationed in the southern Lebanon security buffer zone comes as the second leadership tour of the area within hours — The Zioneer reported an earlier visit at 17:12. Netanyahu's remarks mirror the exact language he used earlier: 'As long as Hezbollah is here and threatens us, we remain. Our directive to the soldiers: if you identify a threat — act.'

The repeat visit and identical messaging underscore the government's determination to maintain an indefinite military presence on Lebanese soil, despite international pressure and Hezbollah's stated refusal to accept it. Netanyahu has publicly defined the security zone as a non-negotiable line, with the prime minister and defense leadership touring troops in rapid succession to reinforce the message.

The visit occurred in the same security zone The Zioneer has covered extensively over the past two weeks — from the prime minister's June 18 visit (when he said Hezbollah's rocket arsenal was reduced to 8%) through the June 23 joint statement with the defense and military chiefs affirming the IDF would stay, and the June 27 expansion of the principle to all three fronts (Gaza, Syria, Lebanon). No new operational changes or specific threat alerts were announced alongside the visit.

8 developments

1. 43 minutes ago · 18:58 · 30 JunLatest

   Netanyahu reports 9,000 Hezbollah operatives eliminated and rocket arsenal reduced to 8%.

2. 18:36 · 30 Jun

   The visit follows the signing of the U.S.-brokered framework agreement with Lebanon.

3. 18:34 · 30 Jun

   Defense Minister Israel Katz is reportedly accompanying Netanyahu on the visit.

• Strong22:13 · 20 JunNetanyahu: IDF to stay in southern Lebanon as long as needed; 300 Hezbollah targets struck in two days
• Confirmed3 days ago · 22:52 · 27 JunNetanyahu details Lebanon security-zone framework; warns Iran against attack
• Strong1 hour ago · 18:36 · 30 JunNetanyahu to Hezbollah and Iran from Lebanon: 'If you see a threat — act'
• Developing20:24 · 19 JunNetanyahu: I ordered the IDF to strike 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

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