Israel Says Troops Can Act Against Threats in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli soldiers stationed in southern Lebanon have full authority to respond to any threats, stressing that troops will remain deployed inside what Israel describes as a security zone extending roughly 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

His remarks came two days after a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran backed Hezbollah movement took effect following months of intense fighting.

Hezbollah Signals Commitment to Ceasefire

A Hezbollah official said the group remains committed to the truce as long as Israel respects its terms. The official added that Hezbollah fighters have not fired at Israeli troops since Saturday evening and argued that Israeli forces should not have unrestricted freedom of movement inside Lebanon.

Fighting Eases but Tensions Remain

Security sources reported no major Israeli strikes in Lebanon after Saturday evening, marking the longest lull in violence since the conflict escalated on March 2.

Despite the relative calm, tensions remain high. Lebanon has emerged as a key issue in ongoing U.S.-Iran peace discussions in Switzerland, with regional stability and border security expected to remain central topics in negotiations.