Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed a structural agreement reached with Lebanon under U.S. mediation, describing it as a historic achievement for Israel and a major blow to Iran and Hezbollah. Speaking at a televised press conference on Saturday, Netanyahu said the deal was reached through direct talks with Lebanon and marked a significant step for the Israeli state.

The agreement was concluded on Friday with U.S. mediation, but Israeli officials have stated that their forces will continue to maintain positions in parts of southern Lebanon. This has raised new doubts about whether the deal will lead to a genuine Israeli troop withdrawal and an end to military operations within Lebanese territory.

The uncertainty surrounding troop presence could influence how the agreement is implemented and whether it brings lasting stability to the border region.