Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has said that Israel will continue to respect the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah follows its terms. During discussions with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Saar stressed that Israel remains committed to the ceasefire but will not compromise on its security.

Addressing the areas currently under Israeli control in southern Lebanon, Saar stated that Israel has no intention of claiming Lebanese territory. However, he made it clear that Israeli forces will remain in the security zone to prevent future attacks by Hezbollah. Saar said, “We don’t have territorial ambitions in Lebanon, but we will not withdraw from the security zone and expose our citizens to Hezbollah’s attacks and possible invasion.”

The foreign minister also argued that Lebanon’s sovereignty has been weakened for many years because of Hezbollah’s influence and its close ties with Iran. According to Saar, Iran has exercised control over Lebanon indirectly through the armed group. He maintained that dismantling Hezbollah would benefit both countries and added, “It’s in the interest of both Lebanon and Israel that Hezbollah’s terror state be dismantled.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this position during the Jerusalem News Syndicate’s International Policy Summit 2026 on Sunday. He confirmed that Israeli troops would remain in the southern Lebanon security zone for as long as necessary to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.

Netanyahu emphasised that Israel’s conflict is with Hezbollah and not with Lebanon itself. He said, “We don’t have a war with Lebanon. We have a war with Hezbollah, which terrorises Lebanon and seeks our destruction.” He added that Israel would welcome peace with Lebanon if Hezbollah were eventually disarmed or dismantled.

The Israeli Prime Minister also spoke about military operations against Iran. He said that Israel, with support from the United States, carried out what he described as the largest air strike in Israel’s history. According to Netanyahu, the operation was aimed at eliminating threats that posed a danger to Israel’s existence.

Claiming that the strikes achieved major objectives, Netanyahu said, “We destroyed Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.” He further stated that the operations had effectively “shattered Iran’s terror axis”.

His remarks came as diplomatic efforts continue between the United States and Iran. Technical talks are currently taking place in Switzerland regarding a 14-point memorandum of understanding. Despite these discussions, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme remains unchanged.

“I pledge to you that Iran, as long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, will never have a nuclear weapon,” he stated.

Netanyahu repeated the same message earlier at a memorial event for his brother, Yoni Netanyahu. He reaffirmed Israel’s determination to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also stressed that military pressure against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon would continue as part of Israel’s broader security strategy.