Netanyahu rejects Lebanon withdrawal calls
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu says Israeli troops will keep operating inside southern Lebanon.
- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejects any continued Israeli military presence.
- Both sides remain at odds despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.
Israeli prime minister says troops will remain in a security zone as Hezbollah insists Israeli forces must leave Lebanese territory
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israeli forces will continue operating in southern Lebanon and remain in what he described as a security zone despite the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah.
His comments highlight ongoing disagreements over the future of Israeli military deployments in the area, with Hezbollah continuing to demand a full withdrawal.
Speaking on Monday, Netanyahu said Israeli troops would retain freedom of action against any threats.
"The Defence Minister and I and the IDF's direction is clear, and it has not changed," Netanyahu said.
"Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to the residents of the North."
He also made clear that Israel does not intend to leave the area in the near future.
"I stand firm that we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to protect the residents of the North and all citizens of the country," he added.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected Israel's continued military presence, saying the group would respond to any Israeli violation and insisting that Israeli forces would not remain on Lebanese territory.
The exchange comes as the ceasefire between the two sides remains under strain.
According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks have killed more than 4,100 people since Hezbollah began firing in support of Iran on March 2. The reported death toll includes women, children and health workers, while around 1.2 million people have been displaced.
Israel says 32 soldiers and four civilians have been killed during the latest round of hostilities with Hezbollah.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
