Netanyahu gives IDF full freedom of action in Southern Lebanon
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Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that Israel Defence Forces (IDF) personnel stationed in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to counter any direct or emerging threat against them or residents of northern Israel.
Netanyahu said the directives issued by him and Defence Minister Israel Katz to the IDF remain clear and unchanged.
“Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat against them or against the residents of the north. The IDF has no restrictions in this matter. I stand behind them, and the entire nation stands behind them,” Netanyahu said.
He added that Israel would continue to remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect residents of northern Israel and all citizens of the country.
Earlier on Monday, US Vice President J.D. Vance informed the media about progress made in negotiations between the United States and Iran in Switzerland.
Speaking about Lebanon, Vance said negotiators had made “very good progress” in establishing what he described as a deconfliction mechanism aimed at preventing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
“We've been, I think, very good at setting up what we're calling a deconfliction mechanism,” Vance said.
Asked whether Washington wanted Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, Vance said the United States wanted Israel’s security to be protected while also ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty.
“We want Israel's security to be protected, and we also want Lebanon's sovereignty to be protected. And this is going to be an ongoing conversation,” he said.
Vance said the United States remained in contact with regional partners, including Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, throughout the negotiations.
Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz had earlier ordered the military to halt fire in Lebanon on Saturday.
With IANS inputs