Netanyahu vows Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon ‘as long as necessary’ after deadly Hezbollah clashes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon “as long as necessary”, indicating no immediate withdrawal despite a ceasefire framework to end fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The warning came after four Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes in Lebanon, triggering a sharp escalation in rhetoric from Israeli leaders and renewed fighting along the border. “Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary for the protection of the communities of the north,” he added.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also said the military would maintain its presence in Lebanon and respond “with considerable force” to any attacks.

The latest violence marks the most serious escalation since a US-Iran agreement to halt the wider Middle East conflict, which was also expected to help stabilise the Israel-Hezbollah front.

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Israel and Hezbollah trade accusations as clashes intensify

The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed 18 people and wounded 33 others in attacks targeting at least 10 villages and towns.

Israel’s military said it carried out strikes against more than 80 Hezbollah positions, including command centres, launch sites and other infrastructure in the Nabatieh area and surrounding regions.

“Furthermore, during the strikes, dozens of Hezbollah terrorists operating in the command centres were eliminated,” the Israeli military said.

The escalation followed the deaths of four Israeli soldiers, including Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedaliah Ben Simhon, commander of the 52nd Armoured Battalion. The military said the incident involved a “suspicious target” striking an Israeli tank, with reports suggesting it may have been a drone or anti-tank missile.

A reserve officer was also severely wounded after an explosive drone struck southern Lebanon, while four other soldiers suffered light injuries, according to the Israeli military.

Hezbollah accused Israel of repeated breaches

“The Islamic Resistance will remain vigilant against any aggression. Its fighters will defend their land and people,” the group said in a statement, adding that Israel had “never complied with any ceasefire agreement”.

The group said its fighters targeted Israeli forces near the Ali al-Taher hills, a strategic location overlooking Nabatieh, using rockets and mortar shells.

Political pressure grows as Lebanon conflict risks widening

The deaths of Israeli soldiers triggered calls from far-right members of Israel’s government for a stronger military response.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Israel should not compromise over the deaths of its soldiers, declaring, “Lebanon must burn.”

“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for bargaining,” Ben Gvir said.

Hezbollah was drawn deeper into the regional conflict after launching attacks against Israel following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader at the start of the US-Israeli military campaign. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes across Lebanon and a ground offensive in the south.

The renewed fighting has complicated diplomatic efforts to maintain calm on the Lebanon-Israel border. US officials, including President Donald Trump, have previously expressed frustration over Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon despite wider negotiations aimed at ending regional hostilities.

With both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire commitments, the latest escalation has raised concerns that southern Lebanon could once again become a major battlefield in the broader West Asia conflict.

With inputs from agencies