Netanyahu: IDF Will Remain in Lebanon as Long as Necessary

Darwin, 10 July : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon for as long as necessary to ensure the security of communities in northern Israel.

“We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to guarantee the security of our communities in the north,” Netanyahu said while addressing a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots.

Lebanon has been demanding that Israel fulfill its commitment to withdraw from two “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon and hand them over to the Lebanese military before agreeing to take part in the next round of direct talks, scheduled to be held in Rome next week. However, Israeli forces are expected to continue maintaining a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

Iran Nuclear Issue

Speaking about Iran, Netanyahu reiterated his long-standing position that “with or without an agreement, Iran will not possess nuclear weapons.”

He also praised the role of the US military, describing it as a “tremendous force multiplier” for Israel.

Without directly naming US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu appeared to refer to Washington’s decision to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a NATO member and one of Israel’s vocal critics.

‘The War Is Not Over’

“The war is not over,” Netanyahu said. “Alongside old challenges, new ones continue to emerge. Old axes collapse, and new ones arise. We are preparing for every scenario. One thing is clear: we must always remain stronger than our enemies.”

He emphasized that maintaining Israel’s air superiority remains a central pillar of the country’s national security strategy.

“Preserving Israel’s air superiority is a cornerstone of our national security doctrine. It is equally essential for maintaining stability in the turbulent Middle East,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel seeks to achieve this through continuous improvements in both its personnel and technology.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has rejected US President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, saying that Israeli troops will remain there until Hezbollah is completely disarmed.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Katz said Israel would not withdraw its forces before the threat from Hezbollah is eliminated.

“We did not ask anyone for permission to enter Lebanon, and we do not need anyone’s permission to remain there. It is our right and responsibility to ensure the security of residents of the Galilee region and Israeli citizens,” Katz said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said he believed Israel would withdraw its forces from Lebanon. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have repeatedly stated that there will be no withdrawal until Hezbollah is fully disarmed.

Katz further said, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made it clear that we will remain in Lebanon’s security zone and continue to operate from there as necessary until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threat against residents of the north is removed.”