Netanyahu Visits Lebanon's Security Zone Following Israel-Lebanon Agreement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare visit on Tuesday to the "security zone" in southern Lebanon, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Tamir Yadai. The visit followed a recent agreement signed between Israel, the United States, and the Lebanese government. During the visit, Netanyahu and Katz received detailed briefings from Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo, the 91st Division commander, and brigade commanders on the ground. They were also shown demonstrations of advanced ammunition and weapons designed to counter drone threats.

Addressing the troops, Netanyahu praised their efforts in weakening the Iranian axis, particularly Hezbollah, which he said had its arsenal reduced from 150,000 rockets to about 8 percent of that number. He highlighted the elimination of 9,000 militants and the creation of buffer zones on the enemy side of the border in Lebanon and Gaza to prevent terrorist forces from operating near Israel’s borders. Netanyahu emphasized the directive to act decisively against threats to soldiers’ lives and security.

Responding to criticism about rules of engagement in Lebanon after the agreement, Netanyahu stressed the importance of self-defense and proactive action. He also declared that the memorandum signed marks the first time Lebanon officially recognizes Israel’s existence, signaling a rejection of Iranian and Hezbollah influence. Netanyahu described the agreement as a blow to the Iranian axis and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to remain in southern Lebanon until the threat from armed Hezbollah forces is neutralized, aiming to restore security and prosperity for residents on both sides of the border.