Netanyahu: Israel will not leave Lebanon's 'security zone'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that the Israeli military will continue its occupation of a "security zone" in southern Lebanon, along the Israeli border, for an indefinite period. "We have established a security zone in Lebanon and we will keep it for as long as necessary to protect our people," Netanyahu stated at a conference in Jerusalem.

These declarations were made as Israeli officials indicated that their troops could operate without limitations to neutralize threats in Lebanon, even after a ceasefire agreement took effect on Friday. The ongoing presence and operations in the zone underscore a continued tension despite the de-escalation efforts.

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We have established a security zone in Lebanon and we will keep it for as long as necessary to protect our people.

In response, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem asserted that Israel would not remain in Lebanon and warned that his group would retaliate against any Israeli violations. His statements came at a time when Israeli officials were emphasizing their forces' freedom of action to address perceived threats, highlighting a divergence in interpretations of the ceasefire's implications.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly threatened Iran with further attacks if it did not prevent Hezbollah from causing trouble. This stance from the U.S. president adds another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics, potentially impacting ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The Iranian delegation involved in talks with U.S. representatives in Switzerland protested Trump's threats, according to Iran's state news agency.

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Israel will not remain in Lebanon, and his group will respond to any violation from the Israeli side.