Katz says ceasefire does not limit IDF operations in southern Lebanon

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the ceasefire announced in Lebanon does not change the IDF’s freedom of action in southern Lebanon. He stressed that there has been, and still is, “no restriction” on IDF soldiers in Lebanon to act against threats.

Katz referred to the harm sustained by IDF forces and Israel’s response, saying the army operated “with great force,” killed many Hezbollah militants and struck the group’s terror infrastructure. He said protecting soldiers’ and civilians’ lives is the absolute top priority.

According to Katz, all of the IDF’s gains in the Lebanon campaign remain intact. He said forces are deployed in the security zone along the yellow line in Lebanon and are operating from there inward against Hezbollah fighters and terror infrastructure. He added that the ceasefire declared yesterday leaves the IDF in all positions in the security zone that protects northern communities.

Katz repeated the message he said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he have already delivered: “Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon.”