Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Israeli military forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon until the threat posed by Hezbollah is fully neutralized. Speaking during a visit to the security zone in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu told soldiers that the military has done "tremendous work" and that Israel is committed to staying on the Lebanese side of the border to prevent attacks.
Netanyahu's declaration in southern Lebanon
"As long as Hezbollah, armed, is here, threatening us—we are staying here," Netanyahu said. "We are not leaving southern Lebanon until the threat is eliminated." The prime minister's remarks were reported by the Israeli news agency TPS.
Netanyahu emphasized that the military's primary achievement has been the creation of buffer zones on the Lebanese side of the border. "The main thing we did—and this is what you are doing here—is creating buffer zones, security zones, not on our side of the border—on their side," he stated. "So we are doing this in Lebanon. We did this in Gaza."
Conceptual change in security strategy
The prime minister described this approach as a "conceptual change" in Israel's security doctrine. "These security zones—this is a conceptual change," he added. "It means that we do not allow a terrorist army to sit on our border. And we push them away—this is what you are doing."
Netanyahu's visit to the security zone comes amid ongoing tensions along Israel's northern border. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Hezbollah has launched frequent attacks on Israeli positions, prompting the Israeli military to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to protect Israeli communities.
Context of the conflict
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon, has been a longstanding adversary of Israel. The group's arsenal of rockets and missiles poses a significant threat to Israeli civilians and military assets. By maintaining a military presence in southern Lebanon, Israel aims to prevent Hezbollah from establishing positions close to the border.
Netanyahu's statement signals that Israel is prepared for a prolonged military deployment in Lebanon, despite potential international pressure to withdraw. The prime minister's remarks also draw a parallel with the buffer zone strategy employed in Gaza, where Israel has conducted operations to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure.
Military and political implications
Analysts note that Netanyahu's declaration could have significant implications for Israeli-Lebanese relations and regional stability. The creation of a permanent buffer zone may be seen as an occupation by Lebanon and could escalate tensions with Hezbollah. However, Netanyahu frames the move as a defensive necessity.
"We do not allow a terrorist army to sit on our border," he reiterated. The prime minister's visit aimed to boost morale among troops stationed in the area, whom he praised for their dedication and effectiveness.
