Benjamin Netanyahu Says Israel Will Stay in Southern Lebanon ‘As Long as Necessary’ and Prevent Iran From Going Nuclear

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, June 21, that Israeli forces will remain in occupied areas of southern Lebanon for "as long as necessary" and reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, underscoring Israel's security priorities amid continuing regional tensions.

The remarks came as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland following a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the broader Middle East conflict. However, ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continue to pose challenges to efforts to stabilize the region. ‘Benjamin Netanyahu a Con Man’: New Book Reveals Donald Trump’s Alleged Remark on Israeli PM, Comparisons to Mao and Hitler.

Israel Will Stay in Southern Lebanon and Stop Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

לפני 50 שנה איבדתי את אחי הבכור, גיבור ישראל, סא״ל יוני נתניהו ז״ל.

היום באזכרה התחייבתי:

אני לא אתן לאיראן להתחמש בנשק גרעיני, ואנחנו נישאר ברצועת הביטחון בדרום לבנון ככל שיידרש כדי להגן על תושבי הצפון היקרים לנו ועל אזרחי המדינה כולה. pic.twitter.com/HD7tLVDzvG

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 21, 2026

Speaking on June 21, Netanyahu said Israel would maintain its military presence in a security zone inside southern Lebanon to protect communities in northern Israel.

"We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the cherished residents of the north and all the citizens of Israel... Nothing will alter that commitment," Netanyahu said. 'Use Your Head': Donald Trump Says He Urged Israel to Agree to Hezbollah Ceasefire Amid Escalating Lebanon Conflict.

Israeli officials have repeatedly argued that the deployment is necessary to prevent cross-border attacks and maintain security along the northern frontier.

'I Will Not Allow Iran to Acquire Nuclear Weapons'

Netanyahu also used the occasion to restate Israel's longstanding opposition to Iran's nuclear programme. "And with regard to Iran: whatever political developments may unfold, I will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. As long as I serve as prime minister of Israel, that will not happen."

The statement comes as Washington and Tehran continue diplomatic discussions aimed at reducing tensions and advancing a broader regional agreement.

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, while Israel has argued that Tehran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons capabilities.

Israeli Military Says Hezbollah Has Suffered Major Setbacks

Separately, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said Hezbollah had suffered significant losses during recent fighting. According to a military statement, Zamir told troops in southern Lebanon: "Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow, and we are committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding."

He added: "Hezbollah is in a very difficult position." Israeli military officials say they remain prepared for the possibility of renewed hostilities despite the latest ceasefire efforts.

Ceasefire Remains Fragile

The comments came after a ceasefire announcement linked to a memorandum of understanding signed between Tehran and Washington. Despite the announcement, Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continued to exchange fire in recent days, raising concerns that the conflict in Lebanon could undermine broader diplomatic efforts.

However, there were no reports of fresh strikes in Lebanon after Saturday evening. Zamir cautioned that the situation remained uncertain.

"This is the purpose guiding all our efforts... The ceasefire that has been declared is fragile, and we must maintain a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations," he said.

Hezbollah Rejects Long-Term Israeli Presence

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the prospect of a prolonged Israeli military presence in Lebanon. According to the report, Qassem said Israel would not remain in Lebanese territory and warned that the group would respond to any violations by Israeli forces.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also insisted that Israeli troops would continue operating inside the security zone established in southern Lebanon.

"There has never been, and there is currently no restriction on Israeli soldiers in Lebanon from acting to eliminate threats... As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear: Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon," Katz said.

The latest statements come as diplomatic efforts continue between the United States and Iran to build on a preliminary agreement intended to reduce regional conflict. Iran has reportedly warned that broader negotiations with Washington will remain difficult unless the fighting in Lebanon comes to an end.

Recent clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides. Lebanese officials have reported dozens of deaths, while the Israeli military said five of its soldiers were killed during fighting this week. As negotiations continue, developments in southern Lebanon remain a key factor influencing the wider diplomatic landscape across the Middle East.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 10:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).