ALBAWABA- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, insisting that Israeli forces will remain in strategic positions along the northern frontier despite ongoing international pressure and U.S.-backed diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel has established “deep security zones” in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, arguing that these areas are essential for national defense. “We will remain in these security zones for as long as required to defend our country,” he said, adding that Israeli forces will continue to operate in southern Lebanon until long-term security is ensured for Israel’s northern communities.
His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and fragile diplomatic momentum linked to a broader U.S.-brokered understanding involving Iran and efforts to reduce hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. Washington has presented the agreement as part of a wider attempt to stabilize the region, though key security disputes remain unresolved.
Netanyahu’s position also reflects Israel’s continued coordination with the Trump administration, even as differences persist over the timing and scope of any military withdrawal. Israeli officials argue that pulling back from southern Lebanon too early would allow Hezbollah to regroup and rebuild its military capabilities near the border, posing an ongoing threat to northern Israel.
Israeli military operations continue in areas south of the Litani River, with the Israel Defense Forces maintaining pressure on Hezbollah positions and infrastructure. The government maintains that these operations are necessary to prevent further cross-border attacks and ensure long-term deterrence.
On the ground, clashes and competing claims of battlefield gains continue. Hezbollah’s Operations Room issued a statement on Thursday asserting that its fighters had repelled multiple Israeli advances near the towns of Kfar Tebnit and the Ali al-Taher area over the past four days.
The group claimed its forces carried out coordinated attacks using rockets, drones, and anti-armour weapons, and said they inflicted casualties on Israeli troops while forcing withdrawals under fire.
Hezbollah also claimed that Israeli forces remain positioned on the outskirts of Kfar Tebnit but have been unable to advance further into the area. The Israeli military has not issued a detailed response to these specific claims, though independent reporting has confirmed ongoing Israeli artillery activity and ground manoeuvres in the region, alongside Lebanese army repositioning.
The conflicting narratives highlight the ongoing volatility in southern Lebanon, where low-intensity but persistent military engagement coexists with parallel diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict. Despite international calls for restraint, Israel continues to report operations, losses, and tactical advances.
