Netanyahu Reaffirms U.S. Ties While Vowing to Keep Israel’s Security Buffer in Lebanon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in the Knesset at the inauguration of Highway 60 in the Gush Etzion area, which will also be called the "Bible Route." In his remarks, he addressed regional developments, the fighting in Lebanon, and Israel’s relationship with the United States, despite what the article describes as a cold shoulder from Donald Trump in recent weeks.

Netanyahu said, "The struggle is still not over, and more challenges lie ahead. These require us to remain calm, stand firmly on our security interests, and at the same time preserve the important connection with our American friends, who fought alongside us shoulder to shoulder, and we appreciate that very much." He added that Israel would "continue to navigate our path wisely and prudently."

He tied that caution to Israel’s security posture in southern Lebanon, saying Israel must keep the security strip there "as long as Israel’s security needs require it." He said the country would not withdraw while those needs remain, and that the strip separates Hezbollah militants from Israeli civilians.

Looking further ahead, Netanyahu said he remains committed to the core goal that has guided him for most of his adult life, that Iran will not have nuclear weapons. He also said Israel must preserve the achievements of the war.