Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a firm clarification on Monday evening, backing IDF soldiers and commanders at the front after a New York Times report said unprecedented fire restrictions had been imposed on forces operating in southern Lebanon.
Katz said the reported limits were not the policy and stressed that Israel’s approach on the ground remains offensive and determined. “The security of Israel’s citizens and the security of our forces stand above all other considerations,” he said. “The commanders and fighters of the IDF have full backing from the prime minister, from me and from the top of the IDF, and full freedom of action to operate decisively against any threat, in southern Lebanon, in the Gaza Strip and anywhere else needed to defend the State of Israel.”
He also said Israeli forces will continue engineering and demolition operations against Hezbollah strongholds. “Our fighters and commanders are acting heroically, removing threats and protecting the residents of the north, the south and all Israeli citizens day and night,” Katz said. “The IDF will remain in the security zone in Lebanon to protect the northern communities, thwart threats and destroy terror infrastructure in the area, underground and above ground.”
The statement came amid a minor political and media stir after Israeli sources were quoted in foreign outlets saying troops in Lebanon could fire only in cases of an “immediate threat,” and that they were barred from blowing up buildings and infrastructure without exceptional approval from the highest levels. Katz said his message was meant to leave no doubt for both the home front and field commanders that the political leadership stands behind the troops and expects threats to be removed without delay.
