Netanyahu Says Israeli Forces in South Lebanon Have Full Freedom of Action

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon have full freedom to act against any direct or emerging threat to themselves or to residents of northern Israel. In a statement issued moments ago, he said the directive from him and Defense Minister Israel Katz to the IDF “has not changed” and that there is “no restriction” on the army in this regard.

Netanyahu said the soldiers “have complete freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat” and added, “I stand behind them, the whole nation stands behind them.” He also said he firmly supports keeping Israel in the security zone in southern Lebanon “for as long as necessary” in order to protect northern communities and all Israeli citizens.

The remarks come amid criticism over limits being placed on fighters’ actions, with Netanyahu explicitly pushing back against any suggestion that the IDF’s hands are tied. His statement was framed as a reaffirmation of the government’s current operational policy in Lebanon.