Netanyahu Highlights Peace Deal With Lebanon and Plans for Broad National Government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference on June 27, 2026, following the signing of a peace agreement with Lebanon. He emphasized the historic significance of the peace deal with an Arab country but acknowledged that the reality on the ground remains unchanged, as Israel continues to face threats from Hezbollah, which Lebanon has limited control over.

Netanyahu also announced his intention to form a broad national government after the upcoming elections, signaling openness to alliances beyond his traditional ultra-Orthodox partners. However, he made clear he does not plan to abandon his current coalition with the ultra-Orthodox parties despite recent tensions and resignations. During the press conference, Netanyahu expressed strong support for the ultra-Orthodox community, condemning arrests of yeshiva students in Europe and urging legislative progress on laws protecting Torah study and halting arrests of ultra-Orthodox men.

Addressing political and security issues, Netanyahu stated there is no room for two states regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and expressed confidence in finding broad consensus on this stance. He also criticized his political rival Gadi Eizenkot’s past positions on Gaza operations, arguing that following Eizenkot’s advice would have resulted in continued terror threats and loss of Israeli lives. Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to security measures such as the "Pillar of Defense" operation and targeted actions against Hezbollah leadership.

The prime minister’s remarks combined a message of diplomatic breakthrough with a firm stance on security and political unity, setting the stage for the upcoming elections and ongoing challenges in northern Israel and the broader region.