Netanyahu instructs Israeli forces to widen buffer area along Lebanese border

On September 29, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took part in a press conference alongside US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC.

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US President Donald Trump announced on October 8, 2025, that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the initial phase of his Gaza peace plan, describing it as a groundbreaking step towards ending the two-year conflict.

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According to Trump, the agreement stipulated that the Palestinian militant group Hamas would release all hostages, while Israel would withdraw its troops to a predetermined line, following discussions in Egypt on his 20-point peace plan.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that he had instructed the military to enlarge the existing security zone in Lebanon, as Israel continues its campaign in the neighboring country.

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In a video statement, Netanyahu declared, "In Lebanon, I have just ordered the military to further expand the existing security zone," aiming to eliminate the threat of invasion by Hezbollah militants and prevent anti-tank missile fire from reaching the border.

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During a visit to the northern command, Netanyahu noted that Hezbollah still possessed the ability to launch rockets at Israel, although the group had suffered significant damage at the hands of Israeli forces.

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Netanyahu asserted, "Iran is no longer the same Iran, Hezbollah is no longer the same Hezbollah, and Hamas is no longer the same Hamas," emphasizing that these groups were no longer formidable terrorist armies threatening Israel's existence, but rather defeated enemies fighting for survival.

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Netanyahu concluded, "We are determined, we are fighting, and with God’s help — we are winning," expressing his confidence in the outcome of the conflict.