Israel reaffirmed that it will maintain its military operations and the so-called "security zone" in southern Lebanon, defying Iran's demands and marking one of the main points of conflict in the negotiations that Tehran is holding with the United States to consolidate peace in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir issued a joint statement making it clear that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not change their strategy on the northern front.
Israel will not concede positions against Hezbollah
After a meeting that also included the commander of the Northern Command, Rafi Milo, Israeli authorities emphasized that the security of Israeli citizens will remain the government's absolute priority.
“The Israel Defense Forces will continue to act decisively to neutralize threats against our soldiers and citizens, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, and maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon,” they stated.
The statement represents a direct response to Iran's demands, which calls for the cessation of Israeli operations against the terrorist group Hezbollah as a condition for advancing a broader regional agreement.
Netanyahu hardens his stance against Tehran
The Israeli government insists that the military presence in southern Lebanon is a strategic necessity to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks.
The IDF continues to carry out operations against positions and infrastructure of the Iran-backed terrorist group. According to data from Lebanese authorities, the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah since March have left more than 4,000 dead and 12,000 injured.
In recent days, Israeli officials reiterated that there is no plan to abandon the security strip currently under Israeli military control.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel has no “territorial ambitions” in Lebanon, although he defended the continuation of operations for security reasons.
