Naharnet

Netanyahu says Israel to keep buffer zone in Lebanon as long as needed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that Israel's "struggle" is not over yet, and that more challenges lie ahead, after the U.S. and Iran signed an MoU to end the war between them, which also inlcudes a clause about stopping the conflict in Lebanon and respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We will continue to navigate our path with wisdom and judgment," he said.

"Just as we restored security and prosperity to the Gaza envelope, so we will restore security and prosperity to the northern settlements. This requires maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon. This requires that we do not leave there as long as Israel's security needs require it, because this zone separates Hezbollah from our citizens and our settlements," Netanyahu added.

"In a broader view, we will continue to adhere to the supreme goal that has guided us, guided me, during most of my adult life: Iran will not have nuclear weapons. And as long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, it will not happen," he went on to say.

Source: Naharnet


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