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Israeli finance minister says occupying northern Lebanon is necessary.
Image credit: Shehab Wire (EN)
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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said destroying infrastructure linked to what he called "terrorism" and maintaining occupation forces across a wide security zone inside Lebanon are essential to ensure safety for residents of northern Israel, Shehab Wire reported. Smotrich did not specify how long such operations would continue or under what conditions Israeli forces might withdraw.
His remarks reflect the scope of Israeli military presence in Lebanese territory following recent cross-border operations. Israeli officials have justified the deployment as a protective measure for northern communities, though the stated ambition to expand territorial control has drawn international concern. The finance minister's comments underscore the Israeli government's current security calculations regarding its northern frontier.
