Netanyahu Says Israel Has Chance for 'Historic Peace Agreement' with Lebanon

Gate News message, April 16 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this evening that Israel has an opportunity to reach a "historic peace agreement" with Lebanon. Netanyahu attributed this opportunity to Israel's military operations, which he said had "shifted the balance of power" in Lebanon and dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah.

Over the past month, Israel has received multiple direct dialogue requests from Lebanon for the first time in over 40 years, according to Netanyahu. U.S. President Trump intends to invite Netanyahu and Lebanon's president to jointly advance the "historic peace agreement," Netanyahu stated. Israel responded to this call and agreed to a 10-day temporary ceasefire.

However, Netanyahu rejected Hezbollah's ceasefire condition requiring Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. He emphasized that Israeli forces will continue to remain in southern Lebanon within the security buffer zone that was "expanded through military operations" and will take action if threats are detected.