Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz Visit South Lebanon Security Zone, Vow to Stay While Hezbollah Threat Persists

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Tamir Yadai visited the security zone in southern Lebanon on June 30, 2026. During the visit, they received a comprehensive briefing on IDF operations in the area from Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo, the commander of Division 91, and local brigade commanders. They were also shown demonstrations of new ammunition and weapons designed to counter drone threats.

In remarks to the troops, Netanyahu praised their efforts, stating that Israel has significantly weakened the Iranian axis by striking inside Iran itself, which he described as a move that removed an existential threat. He highlighted the reduction of Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal from 150,000 to about 8%, calling it still significant but much diminished. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s strategy to create buffer zones along the border to prevent terrorist forces from positioning themselves there, destroying aboveground and underground infrastructure used for attacks, including tunnels and terrorist villages.

Netanyahu stressed the directive given to soldiers to prioritize self-defense and to act immediately upon identifying threats. He reiterated Israel’s recognition of Lebanon as a sovereign state and expressed a desire for peace and security for residents on both sides of the border. Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu declared Israel’s determination to remain in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains armed and poses a threat.

The visit also included National Security Advisor Shmuel Ben Ezra and his military secretary Major General Guy Markizano. Netanyahu’s statements underline Israel’s ongoing commitment to counter Hezbollah and Iranian influence in the region while seeking stability along the northern border.