Israel PM says troops to stay in south Lebanon 'as long as necessary' - The Korea Times

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the JNS (Jerusalem News Syndicate) International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, June 21. Reuters-Yonhap

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon "as long as necessary," while also vowing to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"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.

"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."

Later on Sunday, Netanyahu, speaking at a public event, reiterated that the Middle East war had achieved Israel's key goal of preventing Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon.