Netanyahu: Soldiers in south Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart threats

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that Israeli soldiers operating in southern Lebanon possess "full freedom of action" to neutralize any threats, even as a two-day-old ceasefire holds. Netanyahu emphasized that his directive, along with that of the Defense Minister, to the IDF remains unchanged.

"Our soldiers in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to the residents of the north," Netanyahu said in a video statement. He explicitly stated that the IDF "has no restrictions in this regard." The Prime Minister asserted his commitment to maintaining an Israeli presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as it is deemed necessary to safeguard northern residents and all citizens.

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My directive and that of the Minister of Defense to the IDF (army) is clear and has not changed: Our soldiers in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to the residents of the north.

Meanwhile, media reports indicate that Israeli forces might execute a symbolic withdrawal from certain areas within southern Lebanon. The specifics of such a move and its implications for the ongoing security situation remain unclear.

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The IDF (army) has no restrictions in this regard. I stand firm that we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to protect the residents of the north and all citizens of the country.