Israeli Soldiers Free to Act Against Threats in Lebanon, Defense Minister Says

Israeli soldiers operating in Lebanon have been granted broad authority to act against perceived threats, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. He asserted that troops remain positioned within what Israel designates as a security zone along the border.

This declaration comes in the wake of a ceasefire that commenced on Friday, intended to halt months of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. However, the situation remains tense, as Israeli airstrikes on Saturday reportedly killed at least 20 people in Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA. Israel stated these strikes were a response to projectiles fired by Hezbollah at its troops in southern Lebanon.

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All of the IDF’s achievements in the campaign in Lebanon are being preserved.

A Hezbollah official conveyed the group's commitment to observing the ceasefire, contingent on Israel's adherence to the same terms. The official emphasized that Israeli forces do not possess the right to free movement within southern Lebanon. Hezbollah forces reportedly ceased firing on Israeli troops around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and security sources indicated Israel had also refrained from major strikes since that time, marking the longest period without significant engagement since the conflict began on March 2.

Despite the reported de-escalation, Israeli troops are expected to remain in their positions within the security zone, which extends approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon. Israel maintains this zone is crucial for protecting its northern communities. Defense Minister Katz affirmed that "All of the IDF’s achievements in the campaign in Lebanon are being preserved."

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the group was committed to the ceasefire as long as Israel adheres to it, adding that Israeli forces do not have the right to freedom of movement in south Lebanon.