Netanyahu Visits Lebanon Border, Vows Israel Will Stay Amid Hezbollah Threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the security zone along the Lebanon border on Tuesday amid the recent Israel-Lebanon framework agreement. They observed demonstrations of new ammunition and weapons designed to counter drone threats and received briefings on IDF activities in the area. Netanyahu addressed the troops, stating, "As long as Hezbollah is here and threatens us, we will remain. Our directive to the fighters is clear: if you identify a threat, act."

Netanyahu emphasized Israel's efforts to dismantle the Iranian axis, highlighting Hezbollah's significant reduction in missile capabilities from 150,000 rockets to about 8 percent remaining. He credited IDF operations with eliminating 9,000 militants, including hundreds in recent weeks, and stressed the creation of buffer zones on the Lebanese side of the border to enhance security. He reiterated that Israel will not allow a terrorist army to operate along its border and praised the troops for destroying above and underground infrastructure used for attacks.

Regarding the new framework agreement signed last Friday, Netanyahu acknowledged skepticism about its success, noting that the Lebanese government cannot disarm Hezbollah. He framed the agreement as a mutual recognition between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at ending decades of armed conflict and restoring security and prosperity to northern Israel and Lebanon. Netanyahu warned that this move challenges the Iranian axis and Hezbollah, and "it will not necessarily pass quietly."

The framework agreement, unlike a previous one in November 2024, will be closely monitored and supported by the U.S. military, which will also train and strengthen the Lebanese army. Israeli sources believe this increases the chances of success. Despite the agreement, Hezbollah rejected it outright, with Secretary-General Naim Qassem condemning the Lebanese authorities and vowing to continue resistance to "defeat the occupation." Pro-Hezbollah protests erupted in Lebanon following the announcement.