Netanyahu hails Lebanon deal as ‘blow’ to Iran and Hezbollah Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the US-brokered framework agreement with Lebanon, describing it as a major gain for Israel and a setback for Iran and Hezbollah. "We have reached a historic agreement for the State of Israel, following direct negotiations" with Lebanon, Netanyahu said during a televised news conference. "This is a blow to Iran and Hezbollah," he added.