Netanyahu Vows Israeli Forces Will Remain In Southern Lebanon Indefinitely

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israeli forces will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary, reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting communities along Israel's northern border. His remarks came amid renewed cross-border hostilities and escalating tensions with Hezbollah following a deadly exchange of fire.

In a statement posted on X, Netanyahu described Hezbollah's actions as a "blatant violation" of the existing ceasefire agreement and extended condolences to the families of Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gadliah Ben Simhon, commander of the 52nd Armored Battalion, and three other Israeli soldiers killed in the fighting. He also wished a speedy recovery to personnel injured during the clashes.

The Israeli leader said he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to respond "with full force" to what he called a "heinous attack" by Hezbollah. According to Netanyahu, the military carried out strikes on more than 80 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of militants, and later targeted the group's headquarters in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley as part of the operation.

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Netanyahu also revealed that he held a high-level security assessment with Defence Minister Israel Katz and the IDF Chief of General Staff to review the evolving situation. Reiterating Israel's security doctrine, he said the country would respond decisively to any attack on its soldiers or territory and warned Hezbollah that any further aggression would come at a "very heavy price."

The prime minister stressed that Israeli military operations would continue to eliminate threats against border communities and troops, maintaining that Israel's presence in southern Lebanon would remain until security objectives are achieved. His comments underscore Israel's determination to sustain military pressure despite growing regional concerns over further escalation.

Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported that overnight Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people and injured several others. The reported casualties add to mounting tensions along the border, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire arrangements and raising fears of a broader conflict in the region.

Also Read: Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon Villages Following Evacuation Warnings