Netanyahu dismisses Lebanon exit rumors, citing U.S. precedent

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against speculation about a potential withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. He asserted that the United States would not passively observe such a situation, implying a strong U.S. stance on regional security.

Netanyahu drew a parallel between Israel's actions and what he suggested the U.S. would do in a similar scenario. "What would the United States do? Would they say there is nothing to be done? Would they stop the fire? ... No, they know perfectly well what the United States would do. They would cross the border, create a security zone, eliminate the terrorists and protect the population until the threat disappeared," Netanyahu stated during a conference in Jerusalem.

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What would the United States do? Would they say there is nothing to be done? Would they stop the fire? (...) No, they know perfectly well what the United States would do. They would cross the border, create a security zone, eliminate the terrorists and protect the population until the threat disappeared (...) That is precisely what we are doing

He emphasized that Israel is undertaking precisely these actions. "That is precisely what we are doing," he affirmed. Netanyahu also declared that "there will be peace in Lebanon" once the Shiite group Hezbollah, described as "Iran's representative," ceases to pose a threat to communities in northern Israel and to Israeli troops. This statement comes despite a ceasefire that recently took effect but was reportedly violated.

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there will be peace in Lebanon