Netanyahu Rejects a Rapid Withdrawal from Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Israeli-occupied area of southern Lebanon and declared that Israeli forces would not withdraw as long as Hezbollah continued to pose a security threat.

The visit was his first since the US-brokered security agreement between Israel and Lebanon, under which Israel is expected to hand over two areas to the Lebanese army.

Netanyahu claimed Hezbollah still possesses around 12,000 rockets and missiles and said Israeli forces had killed about 9,000 Hezbollah fighters since March.

Since March, the conflict has killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon and displaced more than one million. Although a ceasefire brokered under US pressure took effect on 19 June, hostilities have not fully stopped. Hezbollah has rejected negotiations between Israel and Lebanon and is not a party to the talks.

(Reuters, MJA)