Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israeli troops in southern Lebanon would retain full freedom of action against threats and reiterated that Israel would remain in the security zone for as long as necessary.
“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,” Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.
“The IDF has no restrictions on this matter,” he added.
Mr Netanyahu said he fully supported Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon. “I stand behind them; the entire nation stands behind them,” he said.
The Israeli premier also reaffirmed his opposition to withdrawing from the area currently held by Israeli forces.
“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,” he said.
