Netanyahu Says U.S. and Lebanon Recognition of Security Zone Is a Major Gain

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference on Saturday night after the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon was signed, calling it a huge achievement. He said the United States and Lebanon had recognized Israel’s right to keep a security zone “as long as there is a threat,” adding that this was “a great achievement and a big blow to Iran and Hezbollah.” He also confirmed a KAN News report that the two pilot areas from which the IDF will withdraw are Zotar al-Gharbiya and Frun.

Netanyahu said Hezbollah still has thousands more rockets and that the fight is not over. “We have more to do, especially against the drones,” he said. “But what is clear is that we have a historic achievement. The achievement strengthens Israel and Lebanon and weakens Hezbollah.” He also said, “Our freedom of action is clear. If you see a danger, act.”

Beyond the Lebanon deal, Netanyahu used the briefing to promote a political message, saying he intends to form a broad national government. “Only this way can we reach agreements among ourselves. That means no more boycotts, I am not boycotting anyone,” he said. He also claimed police had come to haredi yeshivot to arrest Torah students, but the report notes that this is not true, there are no deliberate arrests inside yeshivot, and the procedure is different when draft evaders are identified by police.

The remarks drew immediate criticism from across the political spectrum. Yair Lapid said Netanyahu had again agreed to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory “without getting anything in return” and without creating separation between the Iran and Lebanon fronts. Naftali Bennett said rhetoric would not matter, only whether Kiryat Shmona is rebuilt before Hezbollah and whether families in Metula, Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi can raise children in safety. Gideon Sa’ar attacked Netanyahu’s call to end boycotts and accused him of deepening division and lying about Gaza and Lebanon. On the right, Itamar Ben Gvir said he would demand a cabinet vote, warning that Lebanon will not disarm Hezbollah and cannot be trusted to do it itself. He also said Netanyahu’s talk of a broad coalition was worrying and argued for a full right-wing government.