World News
Netanyahu Says Israeli Forces Will Stay in South Lebanon, Vows Iran Will Never Obtain Nuclear Weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again made Israel’s position clear on two of its biggest security concerns — Iran’s nuclear programme and the threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. Speaking at the Jerusalem News Syndicate (JNS) International Policy Summit 2026, Netanyahu said Israeli forces would continue to remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as it is required to safeguard Israeli citizens.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again made Israel’s position clear on two of its biggest security concerns — Iran’s nuclear programme and the threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. Speaking at the Jerusalem News Syndicate (JNS) International Policy Summit 2026, Netanyahu said Israeli forces would continue to remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as it is required to safeguard Israeli citizens.
Addressing the summit, Netanyahu stated that Israel’s military operations had played a crucial role in stopping what he described as an existential threat from Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He claimed that without Israel’s recent operations, Iran could have moved closer to acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Israeli Prime Minister also highlighted the cooperation between Israel and the United States during recent military actions, calling it one of the most significant air operations in Israel’s history. According to Netanyahu, the joint efforts caused severe damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and weakened groups aligned with Tehran across the region.
Making his position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions unmistakably clear, Netanyahu said that regardless of whether diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran result in an agreement, Israel would continue to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons during his tenure as Prime Minister.
On the situation in Lebanon, Netanyahu stressed that Israel’s conflict is directed at Hezbollah and not the Lebanese government or its citizens. He stated that Israeli troops would remain deployed in South Lebanon until Israel believes the threat from Hezbollah has been eliminated.
He further expressed hope that a peaceful future between Israel and Lebanon could be possible if Hezbollah is dismantled or disarmed and no longer poses a security challenge.
Netanyahu’s remarks come at a time when diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran continue in Switzerland over issues related to a potential nuclear agreement, regional stability, and the ongoing security situation in Lebanon.
Earlier, during a memorial event marking the 50th anniversary of the death of his brother Yoni Netanyahu, the Israeli leader reiterated that Israel would remain firm in its efforts to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and would maintain military pressure against Hezbollah in South Lebanon.
