Netanyahu: "Attacks on Hezbollah Continue... Preparing for All Scenarios, Including Resuming Combat"
by Oh Suyon
Published 16 Apr.2026 05:53(KST)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on the 15th (local time) that the Israeli military is working to eliminate Hezbollah and reach an agreement with Lebanon, adding that the fall of Bint Jbeil, a key Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, is imminent.
According to Israeli media outlets such as Ynet, Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a video statement released that day, "Our military continues its attacks on Hezbollah," and "The fighting is concentrated in Bint Jbeil. We are essentially aiming to eliminate this major Hezbollah base."
Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that negotiations with Lebanon are underway, stating, "Such negotiations have not taken place for over 40 years. They are happening now because we have become very strong and many countries are approaching us."
He presented two goals for the talks: "the dismantling of Hezbollah and achieving lasting peace through strength."
Regarding the ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran, Netanyahu said, "The United States is continuously informing us of the status of its contacts with Iran," and "Our goals are aligned with those of the United States. We hope that Iran's (uranium) enriched material will be removed, and that Iran's domestic enrichment capabilities will be eliminated. Of course, we also hope that the (Hormuz) Strait will reopen." He added that while it is too early to predict the outcome of the negotiations between the United States and Iran, Israel is preparing for all scenarios, including the possibility of resuming combat.
These remarks came immediately after the Israeli military's Chief of General Staff announced the approval of new battle plans for Lebanon and Iran. This is interpreted as Israel's intention to maintain military initiative even during the phase of ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran.
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