Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that any future agreement with Lebanon would hinge on two key conditions: the disarmament of Hezbollah and the conclusion of a durable peace deal that would “last for generations.”

In a televised and recorded statement, Netanyahu said Lebanon had approached Israel multiple times over the past month seeking to open direct negotiations, a move he attributed to Israel’s recent military campaign.

“Lebanon has reached out to us several times in recent weeks to begin direct peace talks,” Netanyahu said. “I have agreed to this, but on two conditions: the dismantling of Hezbollah’s weapons and a genuine peace agreement that will endure for generations.”

Netanyahu made clear that Israel’s position leaves little room for compromise on the issue of Hezbollah’s arsenal, framing its disarmament as a prerequisite not only for a long-term settlement but also for any potential ceasefire arrangement.

He also warned that military operations could continue, stressing that the conflict is ongoing despite diplomatic signals.

“The war is not over yet,” he said, pointing to what he described as “significant achievements” by Israeli forces while indicating that further action remains possible.

His remarks came as diplomatic efforts appeared to gain traction. Late Friday, the Lebanese presidency announced that Lebanon and Israel had agreed to hold their first direct meeting in Washington on Tuesday, a development that drew condemnation from Hezbollah.

Netanyahu also broadened his comments to address regional dynamics, arguing that Iran’s position has weakened. He said Tehran is facing mounting internal pressures and is “struggling to survive,” while reiterating Israel’s long-standing objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“I have devoted much of my life to ensuring that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons,” he said, adding that Israel would pursue that goal “through an agreement or, if necessary, by force.”

Using a map of the Middle East to illustrate his point, Netanyahu described what he called an “Iranian axis” seeking to encircle Israel, saying Israeli operations were aimed at countering that threat.

“They tried to strangle us, and we are pushing back,” he said. “We have struck them, and there is more to be done.”