Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will maintain its security zone in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains armed and a threat to Israel exists. He described the move as a major blow to Iran, which he accused of trying to force Israel out of the area through force. Netanyahu added that neither Iran, Hezbollah nor any other terrorist group has a role in Lebanon.
He noted that the Lebanese army has been allowed to begin deployments in two trial areas, one south of the Litani River outside the security zone and another north of the river, partly within the expanded security zone established in recent weeks. The Israeli army has said the latter area is no longer needed. Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will continuously preserve the main security zone, which is out of range of anti-tank missiles, and will not permit Hezbollah or civilians to enter it.