Netanyahu Declares Israeli Forces Will Not Withdraw From Lebanon During Ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that Israeli military forces will continue their presence in southern Lebanon throughout the ongoing 10-day ceasefire. In a video statement released on Thursday, Netanyahu emphasized, "we are not leaving," underscoring Israel's commitment to maintaining security in the region.
Expanded Security Zone and Diplomatic Demands
Netanyahu outlined that Israeli troops will remain stationed within a 10-kilometer security zone along the border. He described this deployment as significantly enhanced compared to previous arrangements, calling it "much stronger, much more powerful, far more continuous, and far more solid than what we had before." This zone is intended to prevent infiltrations into Israeli communities and counter anti-tank missile threats from Lebanon.
The Israeli leader clarified that the ceasefire is designed to facilitate continued diplomatic engagement with Lebanon, despite persistent border tensions. He specified Israel's core demands in any negotiations: "the disarmament of Hezbollah and a sustainable peace agreement - from a position of strength." Netanyahu also revealed that US President Donald Trump has extended invitations for both him and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to hold talks in Washington. Notably, Aoun had previously declined a phone call with Netanyahu amid ongoing Israeli military strikes.
Trump's Optimism and Diplomatic Efforts
US President Donald Trump expressed considerable enthusiasm about the prospects for peace between Israel and Lebanon, describing the situation as "very exciting." He indicated a potential diplomatic breakthrough, stating, "I think we're going to have a deal. We're going to have a meeting first time in 44 years and Lebanon will be meeting with Israel and they're probably going to do it at the White House."
Trump confirmed he had recent discussions with both Netanyahu and Aoun, expressing confidence in the ceasefire's stability. "I had a great talk with both of them today. They're going to be having a ceasefire and that'll include Hezbollah," the US president remarked. He suggested the proposed meeting could occur "over the next week or two," adding, "I think we will have an agreement between Lebanon, and they're going to take care of Hezbollah. But they're going to be working on Hezbollah right now, but we'll have an agreement between Israel, very importantly, and Lebanon."
These statements follow Trump's announcement of a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, achieved through intensive US-led diplomatic initiatives. The developments mark a significant moment in Middle Eastern relations, with both military and political dimensions unfolding simultaneously.
