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Israel to Maintain Lebanon Security Zone Despite Ceasefire, Says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will maintain a 10-kilometer security zone in southern Lebanon even after a US-brokered ceasefire takes effect. He rejected Hezbollah's demand for a full Israeli withdrawal to the international border. Netanyahu framed the moment as a historic opportunity for a peace agreement with Lebanon, contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament. The ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, aims to temporarily halt hostilities linked to the broader Iran conflict.

Key Points: Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Netanyahu on Security Zone & Peace Deal

  • 10-km security zone to remain
  • Ceasefire brokered by US takes effect
  • Demands include Hezbollah disarmament
  • Opportunity for Israel-Lebanon peace deal
2 min read

Netanyahu says Israel to maintain 10-km security zone in southern Lebanon during ceasefire

Netanyahu says Israel will keep a 10-km security zone in south Lebanon post-ceasefire, outlines demands for Hezbollah disarmament and a historic peace agreement.

"We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon. - Benjamin Netanyahu"

Jerusalem, April 17

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that even after the ceasefire with Hezbollah takes effect, Israel will maintain a 10-km security zone in southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu's videotaped statement followed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire, agreed to by Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, set to take effect at 5 p.m. US Eastern Time (2100 GMT).

The Israeli prime minister noted that he had rejected Hezbollah's demand for an Israeli withdrawal to the international border, and that Israeli forces would remain in a security zone in Lebanon, Xinhua news agency reported.

He argued that this buffer zone would help prevent "invasions" and anti-tank fire into northern Israeli communities.

Netanyahu also said, "We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon," adding that Trump intends to invite him and Aoun to advance such a deal.

He claimed that this opportunity exists because Israel has fundamentally changed the balance of power in Lebanon, noting that Israel has received calls from Lebanon over the past month for direct peace talks.

The prime minister noted that Israel has two main demands in these talks -- the disarmament of Hezbollah and a lasting peace agreement.

Turning to Iran, Netanyahu claimed that Trump told him that he was "tremendously determined to continue both the naval blockade and to dismantle Iran's nuclear capability, what is left of it."

He described these as "two very important moves that could fundamentally change our security and political situation for years to come."

Trump on Thursday announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon aimed at bringing a temporary cooling-off along another front linked to the Iran conflict.

He said that after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun, the two sides agreed to a 10-day ceasefire beginning at 5 p.m. Washington time.

The ceasefire is expected to pause hostilities that escalated when Israel opened a new front targeting Iran-affiliated Hezbollah.

Lebanon is not directly engaged in a formal war with Israel, but Hezbollah controls large parts of southern Lebanon and has carried out attacks on Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus should be on lasting peace, not just a ceasefire. Netanyahu talks of a historic agreement, but starting it by keeping troops in Lebanon sends the wrong message. Hope diplomacy wins in the end.
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, we know the cost of cross-border terrorism. If Hezbollah is firing rockets, a buffer zone makes tactical sense for Israel's immediate security. But it's a band-aid. Real peace needs Hezbollah to disarm, as Netanyahu said. Tough road ahead.
S
Sarah B
The Iran angle is key here. This isn't just Israel-Lebanon. It's a proxy conflict. Until the larger issue with Iran's regional ambitions is addressed, these ceasefires will keep breaking down. Trump's focus on the naval blockade and nuclear program is the real story.
V
Vikram M
Interesting that Lebanon's president agreed to this. Shows the pressure the country is under. A 10-day ceasefire is nothing. Let's see if it holds. The mention of calls from Lebanon for direct talks is a hopeful sign, but Hezbollah won't give up power easily.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian, my heart goes out to the civilians on both sides. No one wins in these conflicts. A security zone might stop rockets today, but it breeds resentment for tomorrow. True peace needs trust, not just buffer zones. Hoping for wisdom to prevail. 🙏

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