Russia

Israeli military has full freedom of action to prevent threats in Lebanon — premier

TASS English · 2026-06-22

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been granted full freedom of action in Lebanon to address any threats, reaffirming that Israel will not withdraw its troops from the region. • Why it matters: This statement comes amid ongoing tensions and negotiations involving the United States and Iran, with Iran calling for a cessation of hostilities and troop withdrawal, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. • What to watch next: Observers should monitor the developments in US-Iran talks and any potential military actions by the IDF in Lebanon, as well as reactions from Iran and other regional players.

Middle East conflictIsraeli military has full freedom of action to prevent threats in Lebanon — premier Benjamin Netanyahu once again emphasized that Israel is not planning to withdraw its troops from southern LebanonTEL AVIV, June 22. /TASS/. The Israeli government has given the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) total freedom of action in Lebanon "to thwart any direct or developing threat," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Amid the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, which demands cessation of hostilities and pullback of Israeli troops from Lebanon, Netanyahu issued a statement saying that "my directive, and that of the Minister of Defense, to the IDF is clear and has not changed." "Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or developing threat to them or to the residents of the North [Israel]. The IDF has no restrictions on this matter. I stand behind them; the entire nation stands behind them," the statement reads. He once again emphasized that Israel is not planning to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. "My stance is firm on our remaining in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as is required in order to protect the residents of the North and all citizens of the state," the premier said. 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Source: TASS English
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