Netanyahu Visits Lebanese Border Amid IDF Operations Against Hezbollah

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a visit to southern Lebanon, where he addressed Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) engaged in operations against Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. This comes amid ongoing military activities in Lebanon, including airstrikes in Beirut, that have been ongoing since February following the initiation of Operation Epic Fury by then-President Donald Trump.

Israeli officials assert that eliminating Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon is crucial for national security, drawing parallels to how Hamas’s presence in Gaza enabled terrorist incursions into Israel, particularly the devastating events of October 7, 2023.

During his visit, Netanyahu articulated a commitment to maintaining a military presence in Lebanon until Hezbollah is no longer a threat. He emphasized to IDF soldiers, “We will not leave southern Lebanon until the threat is eliminated. As long as Hezbollah remains here, armed and threatening us, we will also remain.”

The prime minister urged soldiers to act swiftly if they perceive any risks to their safety or that of their comrades. Netanyahu remarked, “We are telling both Iran and Hezbollah, ‘Get out of here. You don’t need to be here.’ This is a punch in the face to the Iranian axis.”

Following his visit, Netanyahu made further remarks on Israeli television, reiterating the military’s goal to confront remnants of the Iranian influence and expressed hope for a potential peace agreement. He noted ongoing communications with the Lebanese government aimed at cooperation against Hezbollah.

Discussions between the Trump administration and Iranian officials have been occurring since a ceasefire was announced in April, but Iranian representatives have stated they will not accept any terms unless Israeli operations in Lebanon cease. They highlight the humanitarian crisis affecting over a million displaced individuals in Lebanon, including entire Christian communities near the border. In June, a memorandum was signed between the U.S. and Iran to halt military actions, which included a demand for Israel to stop its operations in Lebanon—a requirement Israel has consistently rejected.

Instead of adhering to the proposed agreement, Israel formed a peace deal with the Lebanese government through U.S. mediation. The Israeli and Lebanese governments declared a “security framework” designed to terminate Hezbollah’s influence and to facilitate Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory in the long run. The agreement also includes designated “test zones” where Israel maintains control, while also allowing for Lebanese troops to protect those areas from Hezbollah. Netanyahu praised this deal as a significant setback for Iran, enabling negotiations between Beirut and Jerusalem without Iranian direct involvement.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel, Lebanon, and the U.S. are essentially telling Iran and its affiliated groups, “It’s none of your business,” regarding Lebanon’s affairs.

In a speech to IDF personnel in Lebanon, Netanyahu acknowledged their efforts as pivotal in laying the groundwork for these agreements, stating that their actions would lead to mutual recognition between Lebanon and Israel.

However, reports surfaced on Wednesday indicating that Israel has not yet permitted Lebanon to regain control of the designated test zones. The IDF stated that a “joint monitoring mechanism” would be established to prevent Hezbollah from reoccupying the area and to enhance communication between the forces of both nations, with plans to dismantle existing Hezbollah facilities in these zones.

Netanyahu’s administration has repeatedly declared that Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon in the near term. Not long before the announcement of the Israel-Lebanon security agreement, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, disclosed plans to relocate 20,000 Lebanese civilians to establish a “buffer zone” intended to deter Hezbollah attacks. Katz asserted that Israel has no intention of ceasing its operations in these regions “even if the United States demands it.”

A week ago, Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, asserting, “As long as I am prime minister, we will maintain a safe zone in southern Lebanon.”

President Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with Israel’s aggressive strategy in Lebanon. At a G7 summit in France in June, he speculated that Syria might conduct a more efficient anti-Hezbollah operation than Israel does. Trump commented on the loss of life due to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, stating that “you don’t have to tear down an apartment complex every time you look for someone,” noting that not everyone in those complexes is associated with Hezbollah.

He concluded, “I’m not happy with the way Israel has been dealing with Lebanon and Hezbollah. I suggested to Israel that they leave Hezbollah to Syria because, to be honest, I think they can do a better job.”