October 19, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked the presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon to the disarmament of Hezbollah and the complete dismantling of its military capabilities, stressing that Tel Aviv will continue its military operations against it “whenever the need arises” with the aim of eliminating it permanently.
In a radio interview, Netanyahu explained that the Israeli army would continue to be stationed inside what he described as the “security zone” in southern Lebanon unless the party was disarmed, expressing doubts about the Lebanese government’s ability to accomplish this mission. He considered that Hezbollah had become weaker compared to the previous period, during which it possessed about 150,000 missiles and shells directed at Israel, which he considered a grave threat to the Israelis.
These statements relink the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory directly to the issue of disarming Hezbollah, at a time when disagreements remain sharp regarding the implementation of security arrangements in the region.
It is noteworthy that the concept of the “security zone” goes back to the Israeli military presence in the border strip, which continued for years before the withdrawal in May 2000. This issue was renewed with the outbreak of confrontations between the two sides in October 2023, which developed into a large-scale war during the year 2024.
In November 2024, the ceasefire agreement entered into force based on arrangements linked to UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701, which stipulates extending the control of the Lebanese state and restricting weapons and forces to the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River.
Although the ceasefire agreement stipulated the withdrawal of Israeli forces in parallel with the deployment of the Lebanese army, the continued Israeli presence in some border sites and disagreements over the implementation of security obligations constituted the most prominent points of tension.
On the other hand, the Lebanese authorities adhere to the state’s full sovereignty over its territory and reject any Israeli military presence, while Israel stipulates the removal of what it considers a military threat emanating from Hezbollah in order to proceed with its withdrawal. Netanyahu’s statements bring this issue back to the forefront of disputes, raising concerns about the continuation of military operations and obstructing efforts to stabilize the border.
