Netanyahu Challenges Trump: We Will Remain in Southern Lebanon as Long as Necessary

Translation SadaNews - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday evening that his forces will not withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as Israel's security needs require it.

Netanyahu reiterated during a speech at the inauguration of a settlement road in southern West Bank his commitment to restore security for the residents of the north.

Hebrew media considered this a challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has emphasized multiple times that the memorandum of understanding reached includes Lebanon.

Netanyahu said, as translated by SadaNews, "We have additional challenges ahead of us that require calm and firm adherence to our security interests while maintaining the important relationship with our American friends."

He added: "We will preserve the achievements of the government, and we will maintain the accomplishments of the war... these are achievements of the entire Israeli people. Just as we restored security and prosperity to the Gaza Strip, we will restore security and prosperity to the northern communities... this strength distinguishes Hezbollah's terrorists from our citizens and our communities. We will continue to adhere to the ultimate goal that has guided me for most of my life: Iran will not possess nuclear weapons, as long as I am Prime Minister of Israel."