Although Iran has proposed ending the conflict in Lebanon—including the withdrawal of Israeli forces—as a condition for peace with the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his stance that he will not withdraw troops from southern Lebanon as long as the threat from Hezbollah persists.
On June 30 (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu visited an Israeli military base in southern Lebanon and stated, "We warn both Iran and Hezbollah: 'Leave this place, you have no reason to be here.' This is a powerful blow to the face of the Iranian-led 'Axis of Resistance.'"
He continued, "We will not leave southern Lebanon until the threat (from Hezbollah) is completely eliminated," emphasizing, "As long as armed Hezbollah remains here and threatens us, we will remain here as well."
Netanyahu also referred to Hezbollah as the most critical link in the Iranian-led 'Axis of Resistance,' boasting of military achievements by stating, "Through the recent series of battles, only 8 percent of Hezbollah's original stockpile of 150,000 missiles and rockets remains, and 9,000 Hezbollah terrorists have been killed."
He further encouraged his troops, saying, "If you perceive a threat to your lives and safety or that of your subordinates, act immediately. Do not wait; act. This is an ironclad rule."
Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the security zone in southern Lebanon was accompanied by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Tamir Yadai, National Security Council (NSC) Chairman Shmuel Ben Ezra, and Military Secretary Guy Markizeno.
Netanyahu's visit comes just days after Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, agreed to a framework agreement centered on the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces linked to the verified disarmament of Hezbollah.
While Israel agreed to the framework agreement under pressure from the U.S. to advance negotiations to end the conflict with Iran, it has consistently expressed its willingness to resume full-scale war at any time if the threat from Hezbollah continues.
Hezbollah has stated its opposition to the framework agreement, which aims for their disarmament.