Israeli Defense Minister Denies Restrictions on Troops in Lebanon Security Zone

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz denied claims on Sunday that the Israeli army faces any restrictions on its operations within Lebanon.

Katz stated, "There have been no restrictions, and there are no restrictions on Israeli soldiers in Lebanon to move in order to eliminate threats," as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth.

He added that the ceasefire declared the previous day maintains the Israeli army's presence at all positions within the security zone that protects northern towns.

Katz emphasized that "preserving the lives of soldiers and citizens is the highest and absolute priority, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear," affirming that "Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon."

Earlier on Saturday, Israel's Channel 12 reported that the Israeli army would implement a ceasefire in Lebanon following directives from Netanyahu and Katz, while keeping its forces stationed at positions it controls inside Lebanese territory.

The channel indicated that the decision entails "adhering to the ceasefire" on the Lebanese front, without including withdrawal from areas described by the army as under its control or subject to Israeli military presence.

So far, no official statements have been issued by the Israeli government or military clarifying the scope or duration of the decision. This development occurs amid escalating tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border recently, with ongoing exchanges of field messages between both sides through raids and retaliatory attacks.