Netanyahu: Middle East wars 'will never end'

Occupied Jerusalem – Beirut – Agencies: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the wars of the Middle East “will never end,” asserting that the regional reality compels Israel to maintain its strength and enhance its deterrent capabilities to confront security challenges. In an interview broadcast by Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu stated that Israel still faces numerous tasks in confronting the Iranian axis, alongside efforts to expand peace agreements with other countries. He pointed out that the events of October 7 had solidified his conviction that the side perceived as weak becomes a target for annihilation, in his words.

Conversely, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel faces challenges stemming from what he described as a hostile international community, which necessitates acting with wisdom. He added that when it is possible to respond to friends’ positions with agreement, Israel does so, and when it must refuse, it says “no,” citing the Lebanese file. He also touched upon his relationship with US President Donald Trump, affirming that it is very good, despite differences in their viewpoints. He noted that this is not the first time Trump has made negative remarks about him, but clarified that their disagreements do not reach the level of confrontation or shouting.

Earlier, during a field visit to southern Lebanon accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff Tamir Haydad, Netanyahu provided an assessment of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. He affirmed that Israel would continue its presence in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah retains its military capabilities, stressing that the army had received orders to move immediately against any threat without waiting.

Separately, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed yesterday that his forces would remain in the “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, without specifying a withdrawal timeline. Speaking at a memorial ceremony for soldiers killed in the 2006 war with Lebanon, Katz said, “The Israeli army will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza for an indefinite period, in order to protect our citizens and towns from jihadist elements.” He stressed, “We will not withdraw from the security zones.” Katz also warned Tehran that it would face “full force” strikes if it attacked Israeli forces fighting in Lebanon.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that Tel Aviv had postponed the pilot phase of the withdrawal from southern Lebanon and urged the Lebanese army to act immediately against Hezbollah within the framework agreement signed with Beirut under US sponsorship. Citing informed sources, the broadcaster stated that the pilot phase had been delayed until an agreement is reached on a joint monitoring mechanism between the Lebanese and Israeli armies to oversee the implementation of what was agreed upon in the security annex to the framework agreement signed last Friday in Washington. According to the Israeli authority, the monitoring mechanism would coordinate efforts to disarm Hezbollah, not merely investigate ceasefire violations. It added that the United States would rely on figures participating in this mechanism “to ensure that Hezbollah does not gain access to sensitive information being transmitted.”

In Beirut, the Lebanese National News Agency reported yesterday that the Israeli army had established crossing gates in several areas in the south. According to the agency, the gates were erected between “the first and second lines, the yellow zone, the border zone, and the area south of the Litani River.” The agency added that the Israeli army had also cleared roads, particularly the road from the area of Hamula, the first town of Naqoura, to the town of Aita ash-Shaab.