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JERUSALEM / NABATIEH: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that 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.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli soldiers are free to act without restriction to eliminate threats in Lebanon, adding troops remained in position in what Israel refers to as a security zone.
A ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect on Friday after months of escalating violence, but on Saturday Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in Lebanon.
