A senior Israel Defense Forces officer rejected criticism on Saturday over the army’s continued presence in southern Lebanon under the ceasefire, saying troops remain there to protect northern Israeli communities. He said the military is still on high alert for a possible Iranian strike, and dismissed claims that IDF soldiers had become "duck targets," calling that description inaccurate and inappropriate.
The officer said the tank of a battalion commander had taken part in active fighting and that Israeli forces had surrounded about 30 militants in the area of operations. He said the army is operating under political instructions but will continue to entrench its position on Lebanese territory and remove immediate threats, including north of the Yellow Line. The goal of Operation "Roaring Lion," he said, was from the start to create a forward defensive zone that would block direct fire at border communities. As long as civilians are at risk, he said, the forces will remain in place and will not pull back.
On the regional front, the officer said the IDF is prepared to strike Iran if Israel comes under attack, adding that the matter is not yet fully closed. His remarks came after Iran’s General Staff announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Israel and the United States of violating ceasefire understandings. Iranian officials also threatened further steps if fighting in Lebanon continues.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said there was no evidence the strait had been shut and that talks with Tehran were progressing well. The U.S. military said 55 commercial ships had passed through the strait without disruption. The ceasefire order to stop firing came despite Hezbollah launching more than 50 rockets overnight at IDF forces. A senior political source said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the army to respond forcefully to any attack and made clear that Israel would remain in the security belt as long as necessary. Negotiations between the United States and Iran in Switzerland are being affected directly, with Tehran demanding guarantees that the fighting in the north will stop before talks continue.
