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Netanyahu says Israel to expand Lebanon buffer zone, continue strikes on Hezbollah

From Jerusalem Post · (14h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will expand its buffer zone in Lebanon and continue strikes against Hezbollah forces.
  • The expanded buffer zone will also extend eastward to aid "Druze brothers in their time of need."
  • Netanyahu stated that Israel is in constant contact with the US regarding negotiations with Iran, sharing identical goals of preventing Iran from obtaining enriched material and dismantling its nuclear capabilities.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Wednesday evening that Israel is set to expand its buffer zone within Lebanon, a move accompanied by a continued commitment to striking Hezbollah positions. This strategic expansion, which will also stretch eastward, is framed by the Prime Minister as a measure to better assist "our Druze brothers in their time of need," highlighting a regional solidarity.

So we can better help our Druze brothers in their time of need.

โ€” Benjamin NetanyahuExplaining the eastward expansion of the buffer zone.

The focus of current IDF operations, according to Netanyahu, is the town of Bint Jbail, which he identified as "the capital of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon." The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Israeli forces are nearing the town's capture, signaling a significant potential blow to the organization's operational capacity in the region. He emphasized that ongoing negotiations with Lebanon are being conducted from a position of Israeli strength, with the dual aims of dismantling Hezbollah and establishing lasting peace.

the capital of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

โ€” Benjamin NetanyahuDescribing the town of Bint Jbail, the current focus of IDF operations.

Furthermore, Netanyahu confirmed Israel's close coordination with the United States concerning negotiations with Iran. He reiterated shared objectives, including the removal of enriched materials from Iran, the cessation of its nuclear enrichment capabilities, and the reopening of the Straits. Israel, he assured, remains prepared for all eventualities, including a potential escalation of hostilities. This multifaceted approach underscores Israel's proactive security posture and its diplomatic engagement on multiple regional fronts.

Peace through strength

โ€” Benjamin NetanyahuCharacterizing Israel's approach to negotiations with Lebanon.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.