WANA (Jun 18) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again emphasized the continuation of Israel’s military presence in occupied areas of southern Lebanon, claiming that withdrawing troops from the region would not align with Israel’s security requirements.

 

According to reports, Israel is currently in talks with the United States in an effort to secure continued military presence in southern Lebanon through diplomatic channels. In this context, Netanyahu stated on Thursday that restoring security to northern Israel requires maintaining Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

 

The Israeli prime minister said: “Restoring security to the north requires preserving a security zone in southern Lebanon, and we will not withdraw from the area as long as Israel’s security needs demand it.”

 

Netanyahu also referred to the challenges facing Israel, stressing the importance of maintaining strong relations with the United States while ensuring that Israeli interests remain a top priority.

 

These remarks come as Israeli military strikes on Lebanon continue. At the same time, reports suggest that understandings between Iran and the United States aimed at reducing regional tensions and halting conflict are moving toward implementation. The agreement has also emphasized the need to preserve Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

 

Meanwhile, Reuters reported, citing Israeli officials, that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from its positions in southern Lebanon and is seeking to maintain its military presence in the area.

 

The Israeli military also announced that it would continue operations in southern Lebanon to eliminate what it described as security threats. In addition, the army released a map showing a controlled area extending roughly 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, stating that its forces would remain there to strengthen the protection of residents in northern Israel.