Netanyahu vows to maintain troop presence in southern Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior defense officials on Monday reaffirmed plans to maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon indefinitely, pledging to continue operations against perceived threats and secure a buffer zone along the border. The statement came a day after Iran and the United States concluded 18 hours of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at securing a broader regional ceasefire, according to a joint statement issued by Netanyahu’s office.

Military Plans

Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir and Northern Command chief Ori Gordin attended the meeting, where officials agreed that the army would continue efforts to neutralize threats and destroy what the statement called “terrorist infrastructure” in the south. The security of Israeli citizens and forces would remain a guiding principle for the country’s political and military leadership “without compromise,” the statement added, underscoring Tel Aviv’s determination to retain its foothold despite diplomatic pressure.

Regional Diplomacy

The high-level meeting took place as Pakistani and Qatari mediators hosted American and Iranian delegations for talks in Switzerland to discuss unresolved provisions of a ceasefire deal signed the previous week, including the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, among them Lebanon. The diplomatic push sought to build on the fragile agreement reached earlier this month as violence continues to claim civilian lives across the region.

Humanitarian Impact

Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon has killed more than 4,000 people, injured over 12,000 others and displaced over 1 million residents since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon — some held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war — maintaining troops in defiance of calls for a complete withdrawal.