Netanyahu to IDF Brass: "The Job Isn’t Finished. Two Big Threats Still Loom from Lebanon"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the IDF Senior Command Conference yesterday (Monday), which brought together officers from the rank of colonel and above. His participation led to the cancellation of a district court hearing at which he had been scheduled to testify.

Addressing the conference, Netanyahu also took questions from the officers. He opened by praising IDF commanders and soldiers for their actions and bravery throughout the “War of Renewal,” across air, sea, and land.

He continued: “In Lebanon, the achievements are immense: eliminating the rocket array that threatened the entire country and creating a security zone that prevents incursions into the north, as well as direct anti-tank fire. This also allows us to change the situation in Lebanon.”

“We are currently striking within the security zone, north of it, and beyond the Litani River. Our freedom of action to foil both immediate and emerging threats is anchored in the agreement we reached with the United States and with the Lebanese government. I have no illusions, this will not be simple, and the job is not finished. Two major threats still remain from Hezbollah: 122 mm rockets and drones, including UAVs.”

“This requires a combination of operational action and technological advancement. The defense minister and chief of staff are well aware of this, we are making a significant technological effort to address these threats. If we succeed in combining operational and technological solutions, we will effectively be on the path to disarming Hezbollah, because these are its main remaining weapons. They have about 10% of the missiles they had at the start of the war, but these still pose a threat to residents of the north, whose resilience I deeply appreciate.”

Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu said: “We have two key tasks remaining, and I expect you to resolve them. If we do, I believe we will also be able to advance on the diplomatic front.”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir also addressed the conference. Speaking about the ongoing fighting, he said: “We are still in a multi-front campaign. The IDF has created, and will continue to shape, a new security reality. Across all sectors, we have established forward defensive positions to protect our communities—in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. We must remain in these areas until long-term security is ensured.”

“Currently, under the leadership of the political echelon, negotiations are taking place in three arenas: Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza. These processes are built on the IDF’s achievements, made possible by the dedication of our fighters and commanders in every domain. Thanks to you, we met all the missions.”

“Regarding Iran, we achieved unprecedented gains and removed existential threats as they were forming. We operated in close coordination with the United States military in a highly synchronized effort. Not only did we meet our objectives, we exceeded them. The task now is to translate these achievements into lasting strategic success.”

“The fighting in Lebanon continues and will not stop until the security of northern communities is guaranteed. The negotiations currently underway are grounded in the military progress achieved during the campaign. Since October 7, the IDF has been engaged in sustained, multi-front combat. We remain prepared and on high alert for a return to high-intensity fighting across all sectors. 2026 may continue to be a year of active conflict on multiple fronts.”