ALBAWABA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid out a long-term security plan that calls for Israeli-controlled security zones in Gaza, southern Lebanon and parts of Syria, saying Israeli forces will stay in those areas as long as needed to protect national security interests.
The comments came as diplomatic efforts intensified in Switzerland, where U.S. and Iranian diplomats are holding discussions to reduce tensions in the region. Diplomatic sources said much of the talk has centered on Lebanon, particularly how to avoid a renewal of escalation and strengthen existing cease-fire arrangements.
So, while the diplomatic channel is in place, Israel is eager to keep its military leverage on the many fronts. Israeli media claimed that the Israeli military is prepared to reduce part of its soldier deployments in southern Lebanon after carrying out many of its offensive operations, however officials underscored that security goals remain unchanged.
Netanyahu repeated that any future deal with Lebanon would be tied to the eradication of what Israel calls the Hezbollah threat. He hoped that the time would come when there might be a wider understanding between the two countries but he highlighted that security issues would remain the number one priority for the government.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military stated it would ease emergency restrictions on communities in northern Israel beginning Monday, a sign of a relative lessening of security fears after weeks of heightened tensions with Hezbollah and Iran.
The revelations come against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Lebanon. Israeli bombings since early March have killed more than 4,100 people and wounded more than 12,000 others, Lebanese health officials said, highlighting the toll of the violence despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials remain concerned about potential threats in the region. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said there was still a possibility of a military clash with Syria, and that the combined power of Syria and Turkey posed an increasing geopolitical risk for Israel.
With talks continuing in Switzerland, Netanyahu's words suggest Israel is prepared for a long-term security presence on a number of fronts, regardless of what is achieved through diplomatic channels.
