PM Netanyahu Vows He Won't Let Iran Arm Itself With Nuclear Weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday that he would "not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons." Speaking at a memorial service for his late brother, Yonatan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “will remain in the security buffer zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary.” He was referring to an area in southern Lebanon up to 10 kilometers (six miles) from the border that Israel has occupied. In comments provided by his office, Netanyahu added “I stand firm on this, and nothing will change that.” Netanyahu has made similar comments in previous days in the face of Iranian and US calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon. He spoke Sunday as American and Iranian officials launched the first day of negotiations in Switzerland. Netanyahu also reiterated his claim that he “will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons,” adding “as long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, that will not happen.” The Israeli Prime Minister was speaking at a memorial ceremony marking the 50th death anniversary of his brother.