Netanyahu Says, "Regardless of Cease-fire, We Will Keep Striking Hezbollah Until Our Goals Are Met"

[Financial News] Israel has put an "independent war" option on the table, separate from the cease-fire process between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. By making clear that it will continue attacking Hezbollah even under a cease-fire, tensions in the Middle East are once again shaking an already fragile balance.
In a video message on the 8th (local time), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "Israel still has military objectives that must be completed," adding, "We will achieve them, whether through an agreement or through renewed fighting. We are ready to return to battle at any time, and our finger is on the trigger."
His remarks are being interpreted as a signal that Israel may launch unilateral military operations regardless of whether a cease-fire is reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. Referring specifically to strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, he stressed, "Hezbollah is not included in the cease-fire agreement" and vowed, "We will continue to strike them."
Netanyahu also highlighted recent operational achievements. He said, "We obliterated 100 targets in just 10 minutes, including areas Hezbollah believed to be safe," calling it "the most lethal blow since the 2024 'pager explosion operation.'" He further stated that Israel has secured security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip.
He went on to argue that the latest military campaign went beyond a mere tactical strike and shook the foundations of the Iranian regime. As key outcomes, he cited cutting off funding channels for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), destroying naval assets and missile bases, military aircraft, and command headquarters. The message was that direct pressure on the IRGC has entered a full-fledged phase.
Netanyahu maintained a hard line on the nuclear issue as well. He insisted, "All of Iran's enriched uranium must be removed from the country," and stressed, "Whether through an agreement or through combat, this must be enforced." He further claimed that without Israel's military operations over the past year, Iran would already possess nuclear weapons.
He also dismissed speculation that Israel had been sidelined during the United States–Iran cease-fire talks. Netanyahu said, "The cease-fire was the result of perfect coordination in advance," and revealed that he speaks with President Donald Trump every day. Referring to Trump as "my friend Donald," he underscored the close cooperation between the two countries.
Netanyahu characterized the cease-fire as a complete defeat for Iran. He argued that "under military pressure, Iran abandoned its key demands, including lifting economic sanctions, compensation, an end to the war, and a cease-fire in Lebanon, and agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz."

km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter