Israel continues attacks, refuses withdrawal from Lebanon security zone.

Updated: 2:48 AM PKT — June 23, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israeli army will maintain its presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary. He stated that this commitment to protect northern Israel would not be changed by any political circumstances.

The statement comes as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, informed the Security Council that Israel has occupied 20% of Lebanon’s territory, displacing millions of Lebanese citizens. In response to the developments, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem stated that Israel cannot maintain its presence in Lebanon and that any ceasefire violation will be met with a response.

Netanyahu also reiterated his stance on Iran, vowing not to allow the country to obtain nuclear weapons during his premiership.