Defense Minister Rebuts Claims That IDF Is Restricted on the Northern Front

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a forceful clarification Monday evening, saying Israel’s soldiers and commanders have full backing to act against threats and are not being tied down by political leaders. His statement came amid heavy public criticism that the government was limiting IDF freedom of action in Lebanon.

Katz said, “The security of Israel’s citizens and the security of our forces come above every other consideration.” He added that “the commanders and fighters of the IDF have full backing from the prime minister, from me and from the IDF leadership, and full freedom of action to act decisively against any threat, in southern Lebanon, in the Gaza Strip and anywhere else where it is necessary to defend the State of Israel.”

He praised soldiers and officers, saying they are fighting “with bravery,” removing threats and protecting residents in the north, the south and across Israel “day and night.” Katz also said the IDF will remain in the security zone in Lebanon to protect northern communities, thwart threats and destroy terrorist infrastructure “above and below ground.”

The comments followed reports in foreign media, quoting Israeli sources earlier in the day, that soldiers in Lebanon were allowed to fire only in cases of an “immediate threat,” and were barred from blowing up buildings and infrastructure without extraordinary approval from the highest levels.