Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the country’s forces will remain in the buffer security zone in southern Lebanon “for as long as necessary,” in order, he said, to protect residents of northern Israel and other civilians. He stressed that this position is final in his capacity as prime minister of Israel and that there will be no change in it. Netanyahu also said regarding talks between the United States and Iran that no political developments in the negotiation process can divert Israel from its objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He added that as long as he remains in the position of prime minister, Iran will not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing in Switzerland, with participation from representatives of Pakistan and Qatar. According to reports, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum last week aimed at reaching an agreement within 60 days to resolve their differences. The memorandum reportedly calls for the “immediate and permanent cessation” of military operations at all fronts, including Lebanon.
