Netanyahu says Israeli army will remain in southern Lebanon ‘security zone’ until Hezbollah disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israeli forces will remain in a “security zone” in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, commenting on the newly reached framework deal between Israel and Lebanon under US sponsorship, Anadolu reports. In a recorded statement, Netanyahu said: “The most important thing is that first of all, Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon … we maintain it as long as Hezbollah has not disarmed.” He said the agreement allows the deployment of the Lebanese army in designated areas based on “recommendation” by the Israeli army, with implementation set to begin through “two pilot phases.” Netanyahu added that one of the two areas from which Israeli forces are expected to […]