Visiting Metula, Liberman calls for establishment of south Lebanon buffer zone

By Sam Sokol 6 January 2025, 2:45 pm

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Sam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

Yisrael Beytenu chief Avigdor Liberman visits Metula on January 6, 2025 (Image courtesy of spokesperson for Liberman)

Speaking in Metula following a tour of the northern city, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman calls for the establishment of a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, arguing that “any other step is a Band-Aid on a bleeding wound.”

The ceasefire agreement currently being implemented by Israel in Lebanon “endangers the residents of the north,” Liberman declares, arguing that “the Lebanese army has no control over the area between the Litani River and the Israeli border, and has no intention of disarming Hezbollah.

“In practice, Hezbollah is strengthening again, returning forces to the line of contact, producing missiles inside Lebanon and continuing smuggling weapons,” he asserts, adding that only a security zone will be able to “prevent anti-tank fire and tunnels.”

“Hezbollah will continue to grow stronger, and the citizens of Israel will continue to live under constant threat. The time has come for action, not talk,” says Liberman.