Prime Minister Netanyahu said Thursday evening that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon for as long as Israel's security needs demand it, reinforcing his position against diplomatic withdrawal pressure. The statement comes after earlier signals to the US and amid ongoing discussions over the northern front.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated late Thursday evening that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon as long as Israel's security requires it, according to his office. The statement, delivered at the dedication ceremony for Route 60 (the 'Bible Road'), reinforces the position he has conveyed in recent days to both U.S. President Trump and Israeli ministers. As The Zioneer reported at 17:18 and 17:25 on Thursday, Netanyahu earlier vowed to keep IDF troops in Lebanon despite what he described as American and Iranian pressure. At 10:17 Thursday, he reportedly told Trump directly that Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon or abandon northern residents. Thursday evening's remarks further cement that position, specifying an open-ended 'as long as needed' commitment. The prime minister's emphasis on maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon comes as diplomatic discussions over the northern front continue, and as Israel balances its security demands with the need to preserve the alliance with Washington. No timeline for a possible withdrawal was offered.
2 developments
- StrongIsrael to maintain military presence in southern Lebanon, IDF official says
- DevelopingNetanyahu tells Trump Israel won't withdraw from Lebanon, abandon north
- ConfirmedNetanyahu: Israel will stay in security buffer zones as long as needed to defend itself
- StrongIsraeli fears: Trump pressure on Netanyahu over south Lebanon withdrawal to persist after Iran MOU
Source and signal
- Internal intake