IDF says operations continue after ceasefire reports, blames Hezbollah for violation

Hours after reports surfaced of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Efi Defrin issued a statement on Friday addressing the sharp escalation over the past day. He said Hezbollah was the side that violated the ceasefire by attacking Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

Defrin said four fighters were killed overnight in battles in southern Lebanon. He added that the IDF had already struck more than 100 Hezbollah targets in various areas, and that “dozens of terrorists” were killed in those attacks. “The strikes will continue as needed,” he said.

He emphasized that troops on the ground have “full operational freedom” to remove threats anywhere, and that Chief of Staff directives to Northern Command had not changed. “There is no restriction on removing threats,” he said.

On the ceasefire itself, Defrin said it is a matter for the political leadership. “As long as we have not received other instructions from the political echelon, we continue to operate according to the chief of staff’s orders in the field,” he said. He added that the army is paying a heavy price defending the country, but is prepared to return to intense fighting immediately in all arenas if needed.