Netanyahu announces expansion to Lebanon buffer zone, in bid to safeguard against invasion

In his announcement, Netanyahu also stated that Israel had undergone a paradigm shift in its latest wars against nearby countries.

Israel will expand its buffer zone in Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday, in order to “finally thwart the threat of invasion and to push the anti-tank missile fire away from our border.”

In his announcement, Netanyahu stated that Israel had undergone a paradigm shift in its latest wars against nearby countries.

“I said we would change the face of the Middle East, and we have done so. But we have also changed our security concept. We initiate, we attack, and we have created three security zones deep within enemy territory,” Netanyahu said, citing the buffer zones in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.

“Instead of them surprising us, we are surprising them. We are the ones taking action, we are the ones attacking, we are the ones taking the initiative, and we are deep within their territory.”

Prime Minister acknowledges difficulties for northern residents

Netanyahu addressed residents of northern Israel, acknowledging the difficulties they faced during the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“I have instructed government ministries to assist you very generously,” he told them. “I ask of you, as I ask of all of you, citizens of Israel: Continued patience, continued steadfastness.”

He also mourned the soldiers who had fallen during the war, expressing his condolences to their families, and thanking the IDF troops and reservists both in his own name and in the name of the entire nation.

“We are determined, we are fighting, and with God’s help, we are winning,” he concluded.