On the 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, reserve Colonel Yoni Shtabon issued a stark warning to Israeli decision-makers, saying, 'Don't you dare leave there! We shed blood for the people of Israel there.' Shtabon, who fought in the war and lost friends, made the statement in remarks carried by Channel 14.
On the 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, reserve Colonel Yoni Shtabon—who fought in the war and lost friends—called on Israeli decision-makers not to withdraw from southern Lebanon. 'Don't you dare leave there! We shed blood for the people of Israel there,' he said in remarks carried by Channel 14.
The statement comes amid ongoing debate over Israel's military posture in Lebanon, where the IDF has been engaged in recurring operations against Hezbollah since the October 2023 war. As The Zioneer has reported, the anniversary has been marked by official ceremonies, including Prime Minister Netanyahu's address at Mount Herzl, where he quoted the fallen soldier Shimon Stabon. The conflict, which began in July 2006, remains a defining reference point for Israeli security discourse, particularly regarding the question of staying or withdrawing from Lebanese territory.
Shtabon's remarks add a personal, combat-veteran perspective to the public debate, which has seen politicians and former officials weigh in on the current situation in Lebanon.
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