Netanyahu hails Lebanon deal as blow to Iran, Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday lauded the US-brokered agreement with Lebanon, describing it as a historic achievement that significantly impacts Iran and Hezbollah. In a televised briefing, Netanyahu emphasized the direct negotiations between the two nations that led to the deal.

“

Yesterday … we achieved a historic deal for the state of Israel after direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

"This is a blow to Iran and Hezbollah," Netanyahu declared, asserting that the agreement strengthens Israel's security interests. He reiterated Israel's commitment to maintaining its presence in a security zone, established approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory.

“

This is a blow to Iran and Hezbollah.

Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces will remain in the zone until Hezbollah and other militant groups are disarmed. He noted that both the United States and Lebanon have acknowledged Israel's right to this security arrangement for as long as it is deemed necessary to safeguard Israeli security. The Prime Minister stressed that the zone's continuation is contingent upon the full disarmament of Hezbollah and all other terrorist organizations posing a threat from Lebanese territory.

“

We will remain in the area until Hezbollah and the rest of the terror groups are disarmed.