JUST IN: Netanyahu hails Israel-Lebanon framework, says deal weakens Iran, Hezbollah

International, Middle East

JERUSALEM, Israel (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the new framework of understandings between Israel and Lebanon as a historic breakthrough, saying it paves the way for ending hostilities and eventually reaching a formal peace agreement between the two countries.

Addressing a news conference on Saturday, Netanyahu said the agreement followed direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon mediated by the United States.

“Yesterday, before the start of the Sabbath, we achieved a historic accomplishment for the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

“Following direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, we have reached a framework of understandings that allows us to move forward toward ending the conflict and, God willing, eventually reaching a peace agreement between the two countries.”

According to the Israeli leader, the understandings recognise Israel’s right to maintain what he described as a security zone inside southern Lebanon for as long as necessary.

He said Israeli forces would remain in the area until Hezbollah and other armed groups are disarmed and no longer pose a threat to Israel.

Netanyahu described the agreement as a major strategic setback for Iran and Hezbollah, accusing Tehran of attempting to force Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.

“I stood firm on our vital interests and forcefully opposed the notion of forcing a withdrawal upon us,” he said.

He added that Israel, Lebanon and the United States had agreed on a pilot programme in two areas near the Blue Line to facilitate Hezbollah’s disarmament and transfer security responsibilities to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The Prime Minister thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other American officials for facilitating the negotiations.

He also expressed appreciation to the Lebanese government and people for what he described as their courage in supporting the process, while commending Israel’s negotiating team led by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter.

Netanyahu argued that Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah and Iranian interests created the conditions for the agreement.

He claimed Israeli forces had destroyed about 90 per cent of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket stockpile, eliminated senior commanders, including former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and dismantled significant militant infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

According to him, Israeli forces have also maintained control of several strategic locations while continuing operations to destroy tunnels, bunkers and other military positions.

“We are breaking the Iranian axis of terror, but we are also breaking the Iranian diplomatic axis,” he said.

Netanyahu acknowledged that military operations were continuing, particularly against what he described as the growing threat posed by explosive drones.

Looking ahead, he said the agreement would strengthen both Israel and Lebanon while weakening Hezbollah and Iran’s regional influence.

The Prime Minister pledged continued investment in Israel’s northern communities, announcing more than 20 billion shekels in reconstruction and economic support.

“We will continue to do everything necessary to restore security to the residents of the North,” he said.

“This is what I want to see: a quiet border between us and Lebanon, a border of peace. In the North, I want to see security, peace and prosperity.”

The agreement comes amid continued international efforts to reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border after months of cross-border fighting that raised fears of a wider regional conflict with Iran in the mix.