Netanyahu and Defense Minister Visit Lebanon Security Zone, Vow No Withdrawal Amid Threats

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the security zone in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, accompanied by senior IDF officials including Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Tamir Yadai and Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo. During the visit, they received a comprehensive operational briefing and a demonstration of advanced ammunition and drone countermeasures.

Netanyahu praised the troops for their efforts, highlighting significant achievements against Hezbollah, which he described as the key element in the Iranian axis. He noted that Hezbollah’s arsenal has been reduced from approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles to about 8 percent of that number. Netanyahu also stated that Israeli forces have eliminated 9,000 militants, including hundreds in recent weeks.

The Prime Minister emphasized the strategic goal of creating buffer zones inside Lebanon to prevent terrorist groups from establishing near the border, a shift in approach also applied in Gaza. He issued a firm directive to the soldiers: if they identify a threat to their security or lives, they must act immediately without hesitation.

Netanyahu concluded by affirming Israel’s commitment to remain in southern Lebanon as long as the security threat persists, stating, "We will not withdraw from southern Lebanon until the threat is neutralized. As long as Hezbollah is armed and threatening us, we will stay here."