In a recent joint statement following a security meeting, Israel's Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and army chief declared that military forces would continue their mandate to neutralize threats against Israeli soldiers and civilians, as well as dismantle armed groups' infrastructure, while maintaining a secure zone in South Lebanon.
The statement emphasized that safeguarding Israeli citizens and army forces is a non-negotiable guiding principle.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the Israeli forces operating in South Lebanon have 'full freedom' to address any immediate or potential threats.
Netanyahu clarified that Israeli soldiers are authorized to thwart any direct threats targeting them or the Northern Israeli residents, asserting that the military 'faces no constraints' in these operations.
He further stated, "I stand behind our fighters, and our entire nation supports them."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warned that the country would not withdraw from the 'security zone,' unilaterally declared within Lebanese territory, extending about six miles north of the border.
Sa'ar stressed on social media, "Israel will respect the ceasefire in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah does not violate it. We have no territorial ambitions in Lebanon, but we won't retreat from the security zone, nor will we expose our citizens to Hezbollah attacks or infiltration risks."
Amid several ceasefire declarations and breaches in Lebanon, the conflict persists due to disagreements over what constitutes defensive action by Israeli forces.
Israeli military leaders have received new directives restricting their movements in Lebanon to defensive actions only and stipulating that forces may only open fire to counteract an immediate threat, unless authorized by the military chief.
The new orders also prohibit Israeli soldiers from firing warning shots at civilians returning to South Lebanon unless they come too close to military positions, according to Israeli officials who spoke under anonymity due to not being authorized to discuss publicly.
Additionally, soldiers are forbidden from demolishing homes or other infrastructure within the security zone without approval from senior officers, the officials noted.