Netanyahu Announces Partial Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon Amid Vows to Remain

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued contradictory statements this week regarding the military presence in southern Lebanon, simultaneously announcing a partial withdrawal and insisting that forces will stay as long as necessary.

What happened

• On June 26, Netanyahu announced that Israeli troops would withdraw from two unspecified areas in southern Lebanon to be replaced by the Lebanese army, describing them as "pilot zones" — one south of the Litani River outside the "security zone" and one north of the river within occupied territory Source: Infobae (EFE).
• Just a day earlier, on June 25, Netanyahu stated that Israel still has "tasks pending" against Iran and Hamas and that troops would remain in southern Lebanon "as long as necessary" Source: Infobae (EFE).
• On June 24, Netanyahu declared at a conference in Tel Aviv: "As long as I am prime minister, we will maintain the 'security zone' in southern Lebanon" Source: Diario Libre. Defense Minister Israel Katz added that Israel would not withdraw even if the US demanded it Source: Diario Libre.

Broader context

Israel justifies the occupation as protecting northern communities from Hezbollah. The US-Iran memorandum of understanding calls for Lebanese territorial integrity. Since March 2, over 4,000 people have died in Lebanon from Israeli attacks, while Israel reports 3,350 Hezbollah members killed. On the Israeli side, two civilians and 36 soldiers have died since the offensive began Source: Infobae (EFE); Diario Libre.