BEIRUT, April 12, (V7N) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon on Sunday, claiming that the threat of a Hezbollah-led invasion had been successfully neutralized. His visit came just two days before critical talks in Washington involving officials from Lebanon, Israel, and the United States.

In a video released by his office, Netanyahu, wearing a flak jacket and surrounded by masked soldiers, stated, "The war continues, including within the security zone in Lebanon. What we are seeing is that we have thwarted the threat of an invasion from Lebanon through this security zone." He was accompanied by Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, and military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir during the visit.

Netanyahu highlighted that Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon were crucial in "containing the danger of rocket fire" from Hezbollah, which had targeted northern Israeli communities. He also noted that Israeli forces were continuing to deal with Hamas in the region, underscoring the ongoing nature of the conflict. "There is still more to do, and we are doing it," Netanyahu added.

On Sunday, Israel's Home Front Command reported at least 10 rocket attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel, though there were no casualties. The rocket exchanges have intensified since the outbreak of the Middle East war, which escalated after the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Hezbollah, a Tehran-backed militant group, subsequently fired rockets into Israel, drawing Lebanon further into the conflict. In response, Israel launched extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

Looking ahead to the Washington talks, Netanyahu remarked, "We want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations." The outcome of these talks could prove pivotal in shaping the region’s future peace and security.

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