Netanyahu hails Lebanon framework as a major blow to Iran and Hezbollah

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday night that the framework agreement reached the previous evening with Lebanon was a major achievement for Israel and a setback for Iran and Hezbollah. Speaking at a press conference, he said, "The government of Lebanon showed courage. This is a big blow to Iran and Hezbollah." He added that after direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, the sides reached understandings that could move the conflict toward an end and, eventually, toward peace.

Netanyahu said the understandings also recognize Israel's right to maintain a security buffer zone until Lebanon no longer poses a threat. He argued that the agreement blocks Iranian efforts to force an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, saying, "I strongly opposed the idea that we would be forced to withdraw." He also insisted that Iran has "no standing here" and that neither Hezbollah nor any terror group has any role in the arrangement.

The prime minister displayed a map of the yellow line and said two pilot areas would be vacated by the IDF, with both mostly outside that line and only one partly inside it. "Israel remains in the yellow area that protects us, and that is a huge achievement," he said, adding that efforts to push Israel out had failed.

Asked about the coming elections, Netanyahu said he wants to form a broad national unity government, not a narrow coalition. He said he aims for understandings on the legal system and conscription, rejected any form of political boycotts, and declared, "Civil war, no more, will not happen here."