‘Maintain 10-km security zone’: Netanyahu on Israel- Lebanon ceasefire

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will maintain a 10-km security zone in southern Lebanon even after a ceasefire with Hezbollah comes into force, underscoring continued security concerns along the northern border.

The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, brokered following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect at 5 pm US Eastern Time (2100 GMT).

Israel rejects full withdrawal demand

In a video message, Netanyahu said Israel had rejected Hezbollah’s demand for a complete withdrawal to the international border, confirming that Israeli forces would remain inside Lebanese territory as part of a “security buffer zone”.

He argued that maintaining the zone in southern Lebanon is essential to prevent cross-border attacks, including infiltration attempts and anti-tank fire targeting northern Israeli communities.

Ceasefire amid rising Israel–Hezbollah tensions

The ceasefire is expected to temporarily halt hostilities that intensified after Israel opened a new front against Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and controls large parts of southern Lebanon.

While Lebanon is not formally at war with Israel, repeated exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have escalated tensions in the region, linked to the broader Iran conflict.

Push for ‘historic peace deal’ with Lebanon

Netanyahu also signalled a possible diplomatic opening, saying there is an opportunity to reach a “historic peace agreement” with Lebanon.

He added that Trump may invite both Israeli and Lebanese leaders for talks aimed at advancing such a deal.

According to Netanyahu, Israel’s key demands in any future agreement include:

• Disarmament of Hezbollah
• A long-term peace framework with Lebanon

Iran factor and regional security

Turning to Iran, Netanyahu said Trump remains committed to continuing naval pressure and dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, calling these steps critical to reshaping the region’s security landscape.

The Israel–Lebanon ceasefire is seen as part of wider efforts to de-escalate tensions linked to the ongoing Iran crisis, which has affected multiple fronts across West Asia.

10-day ceasefire agreement

Trump earlier said the ceasefire would last for 10 days, providing a temporary cooling-off period after weeks of intensified conflict.

The agreement follows direct consultations between Washington, Tel Aviv and Beirut, with the aim of preventing further escalation in the volatile border region.

IANS