Netanyahu Reaffirms Security Zone Presence in Southern Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated that Israeli forces will remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect Israeli citizens. Speaking at the Jerusalem News Syndicate's International Policy Summit 2026 in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu emphasized that no country would be asked to do otherwise when protecting its people.
Israel's Operations Against Iran's Nuclear Program
Netanyahu claimed that Israeli military operations had eliminated an existential threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. He stated, "We have prevented Iran from carrying out a plan to annihilate us, and today they would have had a nuclear weapon, an atomic bomb, to do so. We prevented that from happening. We removed an existential danger." He further asserted that had Israel not acted in Operations Rising Lion and Roaring Lion, Iran would have had atomic bombs and would have used them.
Highlighting cooperation with the United States, Netanyahu said, "Together with our American friends, the American Air Force, and the American military, we carried out the largest air strike in our history." He claimed the joint operations significantly damaged Iran's nuclear capabilities, stating, "We destroyed Iran's nuclear infrastructure." He added, "But we didn't just confront Iran. We shattered Iran's terror axis."
No Change in Stance on Iran Nuclear Talks
Referring to US-Iran technical talks in Switzerland as part of a 14-point memorandum of understanding, Netanyahu declared that Israel's position on preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons would remain unchanged regardless of the outcome of negotiations. He said, "I said, no matter what happens in the talks, with an agreement or without an agreement, I pledge to you that Iran, as long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, will never have a nuclear weapon. Never."
Distinction Between Hezbollah and Lebanon
Netanyahu stressed that Israel's conflict is with Hezbollah, not the Lebanese state. He expressed hope for future peace with Lebanon if the Iran-backed group no longer poses a threat. "We do everything in our power to protect our people. We don't have a war with Lebanon. We have a war with Hezbollah who terrorises Lebanon and seeks our destruction. And when that proxy of Iran is no longer a threat, whether it's dismantled or disarmed, yes, we'll have peace with Lebanon and I look forward to signing it," he added.
The Israeli leader's comments came as the first round of technical talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland concluded with discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement.
Prior to his summit address, Netanyahu spoke at a memorial gathering marking the 50th anniversary of his brother Yoni Netanyahu's passing, affirming Israel's unyielding commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weaponry and maintaining military pressure against Hezbollah in South Lebanon.
