Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the framework agreement with Lebanon is a “historical achievement” and that it is considered a “major blow” to Iran and Hezbollah. Speaking on Saturday night, June 27, he said that under the agreement, the United States and Lebanon have recognized Israel’s right to maintain security buffer zones inside Lebanese territory when necessary for Israel’s security. Netanyahu added that Israel would retain control of these areas until Hezbollah and other armed groups are disarmed and threats against Israel from Lebanese territory are removed. The Israeli prime minister also claimed that Iran had sought to pressure Israel into withdrawing from southern Lebanon, but said those efforts had failed. According to Netanyahu, Israel and Lebanon have also agreed on a pilot plan to disarm Hezbollah in two areas near the “Yellow Line,” with control of those areas to be handed over to the Lebanese army.
