Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israel Defense Forces have complete operational freedom in a security zone up to the Litani River, established after clashes with Hezbollah in March 2026 displaced tens of thousands from northern Israel.

His remarks push back against a new U.S.-Iran-linked deconfliction cell excluding Israel, amid U.S. calls for withdrawal tied to broader diplomacy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “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. The IDF has no restrictions on this matter.

“I stand behind them; the entire nation stands behind them.

“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 IDF continues targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, with northern residents watching as direct Israel-Lebanon talks on Lebanese deployments loom.