TEL AVIV, 01 July. - (ANA) - Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon until the threat from Hezbollah was removed.

 

"As long as Hezbollah, armed, is here threatening us – we will stay here," Mr Netanyahu told soldiers during a visit to the area, according to a statement from his office.

 

He was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz and Deputy Chief of Staff Maj Gen Tamir Yadai.

 

Mr Netanyahu also credited Israel's military offensive for the deal reached with Lebanon.

 

"As a result of your actions here, Lebanon recognises Israel, Israel recognises Lebanon, and we are telling both Iran and Hezbollah: leave this place."

 

He said the US-brokered agreement was “a slap in the face, a punch in the face of the Iranian axis, and it will not necessarily pass quietly”.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/01 July 2026 - - -