Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ceasefire in Lebanon as a historic opportunity for peace, while rejecting calls to withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. He stated that Israeli troops remain positioned in an expanded security zone to prevent attacks and cross-border shelling into Israel.

Netanyahu emphasized that his main objective is the elimination of Hezbollah, reiterating earlier intentions to maintain control up to Lebanon’s Litani River. In contrast, Lebanon has demanded a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of displaced residents to their homes.

The report, citing The Guardian, highlights the ongoing tension between Israel’s security stance and Lebanon’s sovereignty demands, suggesting that despite the ceasefire, core disputes over territory and security remain unresolved.