The IDF told local standby squads in northern communities on Monday that they will be released starting Sunday, earlier than planned, because of the ceasefire and the updated security assessment. The report was first published by N12 and was made public on June 22, 2026 at 17:10.
The move comes hours after restrictions were lifted for communities near the border area and amid the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. It also follows Defense Minister Israel Katz’s decision to recognize nine more northern communities as front-line border communities.
At the same time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the creation of a Lebanese monitoring mechanism that does not include Israel that, “the IDF has full freedom of action in southern Lebanon.” The new arrangement is presented as a mechanism to reduce friction in Lebanon.
The release of the defense squads in the north is part of the broader change in the security situation following the ceasefire, as authorities adjust emergency measures and force posture in the region.
