Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday evening that the Lebanese government has shown 'great courage,' without elaborating further. The brief statement, carried by Israeli media, comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts following the framework agreement with Lebanon announced Friday. Netanyahu did not specify which decision or action by Beirut he was referring to.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a short statement Saturday evening (20:53 Jerusalem), saying the Lebanese government 'showed great courage.' The statement did not elaborate on which specific Lebanese government decision or action he was praising.
The comment follows the announcement on Friday of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which Netanyahu described as 'a major blow to Iran.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally announced the framework in Washington, calling it 'the hardest step.' The framework is understood to include a diplomatic roadmap and arrangements regarding the Israel-Lebanon security zone, though the full details remain unpublished.
Saturday's statement is the first direct Israeli prime ministerial remark about the Lebanese government's role since the framework was unveiled. Netanyahu did not provide further context, and it is unclear whether he was referencing the government's acceptance of the framework, its handling of internal Lebanese political dynamics related to the agreement, or a separate development. The brief formulation suggests a deliberate message, possibly signaling positive Israeli recognition of Beirut's position in ongoing or future negotiations. The statement originated from the Prime Minister's Office and was carried by Israeli media.
2 developments
- StrongNetanyahu sees Lebanon deal as major setback for Iran, pushes for broad coalition
- DevelopingNetanyahu: For the first time, Lebanon's government tells Iran and Hezbollah to leave
- ConfirmedNetanyahu details Lebanon security-zone framework; warns Iran against attack
- StrongNetanyahu: new framework with Lebanon a major blow to Iran; Rubio calls it 'first and hardest step'
Source and signal
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- Internal intake