Eli Cohen Says Israel Should Stay in South Lebanon and Reject Any U.S. Withdrawal Demand
Energy Minister and cabinet member Eli Cohen said on Wednesday at the local government conference Muni Expo 2026 that Israel will continue operating against Hezbollah and remain in southern Lebanon. He said any future U.S. demand that Israel pull out of Lebanon should be rejected, telling the government it should answer, “Don’t.”
Cohen warned that if fire from Lebanon crosses Israel’s Blue Line, Israel will strike “everywhere, including Beirut.” He also said that if Iran fires at Israel, Israel will respond. In his view, as long as Hezbollah is not dismantled, Israel should stay in Lebanon.
He added that Israel will keep what he called the security buffer zone in Lebanon because it has a duty to protect residents of the north. The remarks came amid continued fighting in the area, including a reported Israeli strike on Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon.
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