1st LD Writethru: Netanyahu says Israeli military to remain in "security zones" in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria

JERUSALEM, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said in a press conference that the Israeli military will remain in the "security zones" it controlled in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip as long as necessary.

Netanyahu listed Israel's alleged achievements in confronting Iran, claiming it has removed imminent nuclear threat and the missiles' threat, adding that "with or without a deal, Iran will not have nuclear weapons."

He claimed that Iran is in a very difficult economic situation, saying, "We hit all possible infrastructure and the damage is enormous."

Netanyahu again rejected speculations that he would not take part in the general elections scheduled for October, saying he would run.

The United States, Pakistan and Iran early Monday announced the finalization of the memorandum of understanding on ending the war following weeks of negotiations, adding that it will be officially signed in Switzerland on Friday.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz barring passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States. Enditem