Netanyahu declares Israeli military not leaving Lebanon until Hezbollah threat eliminated
Tel Aviv, June 30
Prime Minister Netanyahu today visited the security zone in southern Lebanon where he declared, "as long as Hezbollah, armed, is here, threatening us--we are staying here," and, "we are not leaving southern Lebanon until the threat is eliminated."
Netanyahu told the soldiers there that they have "done tremendous work" in Lebanon, and "the main thing we did--and this is what you are doing here--is creating buffer zones, security zones, not on our side of the border--on their side. So we are doing this in Lebanon. We did this in Gaza."
"These security zones--this is a conceptual change," he added. "It means that we do not allow a terrorist army to sit on our border. And we push them away--this is what you are doing."
— ANI
Reader Comments
So Israel is now Lebanon's neighbor and also its occupying force in some areas? This seems like a recipe for endless occupation—like what happened in Gaza. When will this cycle end?
As an Indian, I find it ironic that Modi's government praises Israel's anti-terror stance while Israel violates UN resolutions and occupies others' lands. We should promote dialogue, not more buffer zones that hurt civilians. 🙏
Hezbollah operates as a state-within-a-state in Lebanon. Israel has every right to defend its citizens. The question is: will permanent security zones really bring peace, or just more resentment?
Why is the world silent about this? If India created a buffer zone in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, there would be international outcry. What's good for the goose should be good for the gander. This is plain occupation, plain and simple. 😡
Netanyahu's rhetoric is aimed at his domestic audience, not at solving anything. The "conceptual change" he speaks of is just rebranding occupation. Lebanon needs to rein in Hezbollah, but Israel's actions make that harder, not easier.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.