Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday evening, June 27, 2026, described the agreement between Israel and Lebanon as "a historic achievement" for Israel and "a major blow" to the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah.
Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu said the Lebanese government had shown "courage" by accepting the agreement and added that the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah should have no role in Lebanon's future political and security affairs.
According to Netanyahu, under the agreement Israel will make a trial withdrawal from certain areas of Lebanon while maintaining its military presence until security threats have been eliminated.
Addressing the Islamic Republic, he said: "You have no place, no involvement, and no role here."
According to Ynet, he added: "Not you, not Hezbollah, and not any other terrorist organization."
The Israeli prime minister also stressed that the new agreement safeguards Israel's security interests.
His remarks came one day after Israel and Lebanon signed an agreement in Washington on Friday, June 26, 2026, following several rounds of direct negotiations mediated by the United States. The agreement establishes a framework for ending hostilities, expanding the Lebanese government's authority, and disarming Hezbollah.
Under the announced terms, the Lebanese Army will deploy to designated areas in southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. In addition, a trilateral military coordination mechanism, facilitated by the United States, will oversee the implementation of the security arrangements.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in parts of southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and security threats against residents of northern Israel have been eliminated. He has previously opposed any withdrawal without concrete security guarantees.
For decades, the Islamic Republic has been Hezbollah's principal financial, military, and political backer. The United States and Israel designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
