Netanyahu Vows To Keep Israeli Security Zone In Southern Lebanon As Long As Necessary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep Israeli forces in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary, saying, "We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the cherished residents of the north and all the citizens of Israel… Nothing will alter that commitment," while also reiterating that he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

Netanyahu’s remarks came as follow-up talks between the United States and Iran over ending the Lebanon war stalled, and Chosunbiz reported that Netanyahu reaffirmed his position to continue efforts to block Iran’s nuclear development and maintain military pressure on Hezbollah.

Atalayar

The same Chosunbiz account tied Netanyahu’s stance to his statement on the 50th anniversary of the death of his older brother Yoni Netanyahu during the Entebbe hostage rescue operation on the 21st (local time), when Netanyahu said, "No matter what diplomatic situation unfolds, we will never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons," and added, "As long as I am Israel's prime minister, that will never happen."

In parallel, DW reported that Hezbollah and Israel were blaming one another for breaking the latest ceasefire, and that Israel said it will remain in the south Lebanon "security zone" which Lebanese officials refer to as an occupation.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected Netanyahu’s pledge, telling a televised address that Israeli troops "remaining on Lebanese land is impossible. There are no security zones for Israel... we have a national army which deploys, and it is responsible for preserving sovereignty, and it is who we cooperate with," and adding that "Israel is an aggressor and must leave."

Middle East Eye framed Qassem’s rejection as a response to Netanyahu’s vow to keep troops in Lebanon’s south for as long as necessary, while Ici Beyrouth reported that Hezbollah’s secretary-general Naim Kassem said the "project aimed at weakening Iran and the resistance in the region" had failed.

Chosunbiz

Ici Beyrouth also described Kassem arguing that a new phase was opening after what he called the "rupture of the American-Israeli project," and it said he rejected a ceasefire that would grant Israel freedom of action on the ground.

In the same period, DW reported that Iran said it was closing the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, and it quoted Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warning the United States to be "careful with their statements; our armed forces are ready to respond to them in a different manner."

Lebanon’s health ministry figures cited by Free Malaysia Today said Israeli attacks since March 2 have left 4,106 people dead in Lebanon, including 135 health and emergency workers, and more than 12,100 people wounded, while Hezbollah said the toll includes its fighters.

“What you need to know - Both the US and Iranian delegations were in Switzerland on Sunday for talks - The US delegation is headed by Vice President JD Vance, who arrived on Sunday morning - Iran's delegation, headed by Parliamentary Speaker Bagher Qalibaf, arrived earlier - Talks are happening amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran said it was closing following Israel's attacks in Lebanon - Hezbollah and Israel are blaming one another for breaking the latest ceasefire - Israel says it will remain in south Lebanon 'security zone' which Lebanese officials refer to as an occupation Read here for the latest developments on the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Sunday, June 21”

DW

Free Malaysia Today also quoted Netanyahu defending Israel’s approach to civilian harm by saying the ratio in Lebanon was "five to one. No, not five civilians killed for every terrorist. Five terrorists killed for every civilian that is harmed in the process."

DW reported that the US delegation was headed by Vice President JD Vance and that Iran’s delegation was headed by Parliamentary Speaker Bagher Qalibaf, with both delegations in Switzerland on Sunday for talks amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

As the negotiations continued, Ynetnews said Netanyahu told the JNS International Policy Summit that Israel would preserve operational freedom in southern Lebanon and that "the IDF will remain there as long as there is no peace agreement, for the security of the communities. There will be no withdrawal," while Lebanon’s LBCI network reported that Lebanon was informed by the American side that Israel would carry out limited withdrawals as a goodwill gesture ahead of the round of negotiations beginning Tuesday.