**Israeli Soldiers Authorized to Act in Lebanon Amid Ceasefire with Hezbollah**
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Israeli soldiers operating in Lebanon have the authority to take action without restrictions if they perceive any threats. This statement comes as Israeli troops maintain their positions in what Israel designates as a security zone, which extends approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) into southern Lebanon.
The announcement follows a ceasefire agreement that took effect on Friday, aimed at halting months of escalating violence between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese state news agency NNA. Israel justified these strikes as a response to projectiles fired by Hezbollah towards Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon, targeting what Israeli officials described as “Hezbollah targets.”
Hezbollah, for its part, has expressed its commitment to the ceasefire as long as Israel adheres to it. A spokesperson for the group emphasized that Israeli forces do not possess the right to unrestricted movement in southern Lebanon. The spokesperson also noted that Hezbollah has refrained from firing on Israeli troops since Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. (1530 GMT). Security sources corroborated that there had been no significant Israeli strikes on Lebanon since that time, marking the longest period without major military engagement since the conflict escalated on March 2.
When approached for clarification regarding the timeline of Israeli military actions, the Israeli military did not provide a specific response. They also did not comment on the assertion that they had ceased firing after the designated time on Saturday.
The ongoing tensions in the region have drawn international attention, with Iranian officials indicating that Lebanon is a focal point for peace talks between the United States and Iran, which are taking place in Switzerland. These discussions follow a framework agreement aimed at halting hostilities that have intensified since late February.
The Israeli military's presence in southern Lebanon has been a contentious issue, with Katz reaffirming that Israeli troops will continue to occupy their positions in the security zone. He stated, “All of the IDF’s achievements in the campaign in Lebanon are being preserved,” underscoring Israel's commitment to maintaining its military stance in the region.
As the situation develops, both sides remain cautious, with Hezbollah indicating a willingness to halt attacks on northern Israel while asserting its right to respond to Israeli military actions within Lebanese territory. The dynamics of the ceasefire and the potential for future engagements will likely depend on the actions and responses of both Israeli and Hezbollah forces in the coming days.