Israeli Prime Minister says military has full freedom to target Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action against Hezbollah. Netanyahu stated that the directive to the military remains unchanged and that forces face no restrictions in efforts to counter threats to Israeli troops or residents of northern Israel. He added that he and the nation stand behind the troops.

U.S. role The remarks come after Israel and Hezbollah agreed on Friday to renew a ceasefire. The Trump administration helped broker an agreement earlier this month that established pilot zones intended to facilitate the removal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu also said Israeli forces will remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect northern residents.

Recent operations Israeli forces have conducted strikes in southern Beirut suburbs in recent weeks, resulting in dozens of deaths including civilians. The continued operations have strained the U.S.-Iran ceasefire reached last week. President Trump has urged Iran to restrain its proxies in Lebanon and directed Netanyahu to limit offensive strikes.