Report: IDF Severely Restricts Its Operations in Lebanon

The New York Times reported, citing two Israeli sources, that senior IDF commanders have been sharply limited in what they can do in Lebanon, despite public statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

According to the report, soldiers are now allowed to open fire only in response to an immediate threat, unless they receive direct approval from the chief of staff. The report also says IDF troops are barred from blowing up houses and infrastructure in the security belt without authorization from senior officers.

The restrictions indicate a tighter operational framework for Israeli forces in Lebanon than what government statements have suggested. The report did not say when the limits were imposed or whether they apply across all units, but it made clear that higher-level approval is now required for key battlefield actions.