JERUSALEM, April 15 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that his nation’s armed forces are maintaining military operations against Hezbollah while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic talks with Lebanon for a potential peace agreement.
Speaking in a recorded statement, Netanyahu revealed he has directed military commanders to keep strengthening Israel’s security buffer zone in southern Lebanon as diplomatic negotiations with Beirut proceed.
“These negotiations have not taken place for over 40 years. They are happening now because we are very strong, and countries are coming to us – not only Lebanon,” he said.
The Israeli leader outlined two primary goals for the Lebanon discussions: eliminating Hezbollah’s capabilities and establishing lasting peace that is “achieved through strength.”
The current hostilities between Israel and the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization resumed following joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28, which sparked broader regional tensions across the Middle East.
Netanyahu highlighted Israeli military focus on the town of Bint Jbeil, which he characterized as Hezbollah’s southern Lebanon headquarters.
“We are, in effect, about to eliminate this great stronghold of Hezbollah,” he said.
Regarding Iran, Netanyahu stated that American officials keep Israel informed and both nations share common objectives: removing enriched nuclear materials from Iran, ending Iran’s uranium enrichment programs, and ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
“It is too early to say how this matter will end, or even how it will progress,” he said. If combat operations restart, “we are prepared for any scenario.”
