Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a press conference, in the context of the war between US-Israel and Iran, in Jerusalem, on March 19, 2026. (Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, during a meeting with ministry director generals and local officials from northern Israel, that Israel is expanding its "buffer zone" in Lebanon.
"I am asking you to do everything possible to prevent residents from leaving their communities. We are expanding this security zone to push the anti-tank threat away from our communities and our territory," he said.
He also assured that "the issue of dismantling Hezbollah" is currently relevant and "is linked to the ongoing campaign against Iran, which is still underway, contrary to what is being reported in the media."
"But we are absolutely committed to doing everything to fundamentally change the situation in Lebanon," he insisted, according to remarks reported by AFP and Israeli media.
