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Netanyahu says Israel will remain in southern Lebanon as long as necessary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

22 June 2026 17:42 (UTC +04:00)

Military forces operating in southern Lebanon have full operational freedom, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, APA reports.

“The instruction that I and the defense minister have given to the Israeli army is clear and has not changed. Our military has full freedom of action to prevent any direct or potential threat against our forces in southern Lebanon or against residents of northern Israel. There are no restrictions for the IDF on this matter,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister expressed support for the Israeli military and stressed that the entire country stands behind them.

“I and the entire nation stand behind them,” he noted.

Netanyahu said that the Israeli army will not leave the security zone it has established in southern Lebanon.

“We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the residents of the northern region and all citizens of the State of Israel,” he said.

Ilgar Khudiyev

Israel Benjamin Netanyahu Lebanon southern Lebanon IDF Israeli army security zone Middle East regional security military operations northern Israel defense national security border security conflict Israeli government military presence operational freedom