Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israeli forces will remain deployed in a security zone in southern Lebanon “as long as necessary” to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. His remarks come at a time when diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran are ongoing, keeping tensions high across the region.

Netanyahu made these comments during the JNS International Policy Summit 2026 in Jerusalem, where he also reaffirmed Israel’s firm opposition to Iran developing nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

‘Iran Will Never Get Nuclear Weapons’

Netanyahu claimed that Israel had successfully disrupted Iran’s alleged efforts to develop a nuclear bomb, stating that such capabilities would have posed a serious threat to Israel.

He further said that military operations—referred to as Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion—had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to him, these strikes, carried out with support from US military forces, have weakened Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

He stressed:

“As long as I am Israel’s Prime Minister, Iran will never be able to acquire nuclear weapons.”

Military Presence in Southern Lebanon

Addressing Israel’s deployment in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu said the presence of troops in the security zone is purely defensive and aimed at protecting civilians.

He emphasized that Israel would not compromise on national security and would maintain its positions until the situation is stable.

Focus on Hezbollah, Not Lebanon

Netanyahu also clarified that Israel’s conflict is not with Lebanon as a country, but with the militant group Hezbollah.

He accused Hezbollah of destabilizing the region and harming both Lebanon and Israel. According to him, lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon could become possible if Hezbollah is disarmed or eliminated as a military threat.

Ongoing Regional Tensions

His remarks come amid continued US–Iran diplomatic discussions and broader instability in West Asia. Israel maintains that it will continue monitoring developments closely while prioritizing its national security concerns.