IDF to Halt Fire in Lebanon but Keep Forces in Place

The IDF said on Saturday afternoon that it had received instructions from the political leadership to observe a ceasefire in Lebanon, but it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon at this stage. Troops will remain along the forward defensive line known as the “yellow line,” where they will continue operating to remove threats and strike terror infrastructure in line with the ceasefire rules.

According to the military, there will be no offensive activity beyond the yellow line except when necessary to eliminate an immediate threat. The IDF said its purpose is to protect communities in northern Israel, and that it will keep acting in the area as long as threats remain.

At the same time, the military is maintaining a high level of alert over threats from Iran and is following developments in the broader diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran. Security officials said the forces are prepared both for defense and for renewed fighting if needed.

Operations are continuing in key southern Lebanon areas, especially Tibnin and the Beaufort Ridge. The IDF said it is dealing with a significant underground tunnel system in Tibnin, more than one kilometer long, where dozens of Hezbollah fighters are encircled. It also said it attaches great importance to control of the Beaufort Ridge, from which fire was previously directed at northern communities, and added that troops are still active in other areas where terror infrastructure has been found. The military said it is holding captured areas, including Beaufort Ridge, Arnoun and Tibnin, even though it is not deployed at every point along the yellow line.