Netanyahu Defends Lebanon Ops, Says US Would Do The Same: 'That's Exactly What We Are Doing'

Published 22 June 2026 · world

Netanyahu Defends Lebanon Ops, Says US Would Do The Same: 'That's Exactly What We Are Doing' Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 07:12 IST

Netanyahu Defends Lebanon Ops, Says US Would Do The Same: 'That's Exactly What We Are Doing' Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 07:12 IST Netanyahu said Israel will keep forces in southern Lebanon and argued that the US would take similar action if faced with persistent cross-border attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a news conference, in Jerusalem (Photo: AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon by drawing a comparison with how the United States would respond if it faced similar threats along its borders. Speaking at a public event, Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect Israeli citizens from attacks by Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups. “And I said something else about Lebanon. I said, and I repeated here a few minutes ago, as long as we need to protect our people, we will remain in the security zone in South Lebanon," Netanyahu said. He argued that Israel’s actions were consistent with what any country would do when confronted by armed groups operating across its border.

“The reason is perfectly understood. No country would be asked to do otherwise," he said. Netanyahu sought to justify Israel’s military operations by asking his audience to imagine a similar scenario involving the United States. “Now, you imagine the United States. Across the border, you have thousands, an army of thousands of terrorists who pelt your cities and your towns with rockets and ballistic missiles and killer drones," he said. “They kill your soldiers, they kill your citizens, they kill your children. And they threaten them every day." The Israeli leader said it would be unrealistic to expect any government to refrain from taking military action under such circumstances. “Well, what would America do? Would it say, well, there’s nothing we can do? Let’s hold our fire? Is that what America would say? No. You know damn well what America would do." “It would cross the border, create a security zone, kill the terrorists and protect its people until the threat is removed. That’s exactly what we are doing." “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," he said. Netanyahu’s remarks on Lebanon came alongside renewed warnings about Iran’s nuclear programme and regional influence. The Israeli Prime Minister said he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons regardless of the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts. “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," he said. Later on Sunday, Netanyahu argued that Israel’s military campaign had weakened Iran and its regional allies. “But we didn’t just confront Iran, we shattered Iran’s terror access," he said, claiming Israel had dealt significant blows to groups aligned with Tehran. Netanyahu’s statements came as the United States and Iran continued negotiations in Switzerland aimed at securing a permanent end to the wider Middle East conflict. AFP reported that a US diplomat said discussions were expected to continue through the night, despite tensions surrounding Lebanon and disagreements over broader regional issues. The talks have unfolded against the backdrop of continued uncertainty in Lebanon, where clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly threatened diplomatic efforts.