Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ongoing military operation against Iran remains at its peak, contradicting reports circulating in the media suggesting a slowdown.
In a recorded statement released on Wednesday, Netanyahu stressed that the conflict is far from over, stating: “Contrary to what is being reported, the war against Iran is still at its height.”
He added that the issue of disarming Hezbollah remains a central objective, linking it directly to the broader confrontation with Iran. “The matter of stripping Hezbollah of its weapons is still before us, and it is connected to the ongoing war with Iran. We are determined to do everything necessary to fundamentally change the situation in Lebanon,” he said.
Netanyahu also said Israel has established a buffer zone in southern Lebanon aimed at preventing ground incursions into Galilee communities, noting that efforts are underway to expand it into a larger security area.
He reiterated that the campaign against Iran is continuing “at full force,” dismissing media narratives suggesting otherwise, and emphasized Israel’s determination to reshape the security landscape in Lebanon in a fundamental way.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran is closely monitoring U.S. military movements in the region, particularly troop deployments. In a post on the platform X, he warned that Iran remains resolute in defending its territory and cautioned against underestimating its response.
Regional tensions have escalated significantly following continued U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets since late February, including in the capital, Tehran. The strikes have reportedly caused extensive damage and casualties.
In response, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli territory as well as U.S. military installations across the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
