Netanyahu: Lebanon Framework Is a Major Blow to Iran and Hezbollah

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday night that the new framework reached with Lebanon is a historic achievement for Israel and a serious setback for Iran and Hezbollah.

According to Netanyahu, the understandings were reached through direct Israel-Lebanon talks mediated by the United States. He said the agreement allows both sides to move toward ending the conflict and, eventually, a full peace agreement.

Netanyahu said the United States and Lebanon recognized Israel’s right to keep a security zone inside Lebanon for as long as Israel’s security requires it.

“We will continue to hold it until Hezbollah and the rest of the terrorist organizations are disarmed, and until no further threat to Israel is posed from Lebanon,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister called the framework a major blow to Iran and Hezbollah, saying Tehran had tried to pressure Israel into withdrawing from southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu said Israel, Lebanon, and the United States are sending Iran a clear message: it has no role in Lebanon’s future, and neither does Hezbollah or any other terror organization.

As part of the framework, Israel and Lebanon agreed on two pilot areas near the Yellow Line where Hezbollah will be disarmed and control will be transferred to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Netanyahu said both areas were recommended by the IDF.

Israel also stated that it has no territorial claims in Lebanon and that once Hezbollah’s threat is removed throughout Lebanon, there will no longer be a need for an IDF presence there.

Netanyahu thanked President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, the Lebanese government, and Israel’s negotiating team. He said the agreement was possible because Israel struck Hezbollah hard and also hit Iran, weakening the terror axis both militarily and diplomatically.

He added that Israeli forces remain in key areas, including Beaufort, the Ali Taher ridge, and Bint Jbeil, while continuing to destroy Hezbollah terror infrastructure, including tunnels, bunkers, and drone threats.

Netanyahu said Israel’s goal is to restore security, peace, and prosperity to the North, including more than 20 billion shekels in support for rebuilding and growth.

He also called for national unity inside Israel and said he intends to form a broad national government, rejecting political boycotts and warning that Israel’s enemies are watching internal divisions.