'No Restriction': Netanyahu Says Gave Troops 'Full Freedom' To Target Threats In Lebanon
'No Restriction': Netanyahu Says Gave Troops 'Full Freedom' To Target Threats In Lebanon Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 23:27 IST Netanyahu said Israeli
'No Restriction': Netanyahu Says Gave Troops 'Full Freedom' To Target Threats In Lebanon Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 23:27 IST Netanyahu said Israeli forces in southern Lebanon have full freedom to engage threats and will stay deployed as long as necessary, with no operational restrictions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Photo: X) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon have been given “full freedom of action" to respond to any threat, stressing there were “no restrictions" on the military’s operations in the area. “My directive, and that of the minister of defence, 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," Netanyahu said in a statement. “The IDF has no restrictions on this matter," he added, reaffirming that Israeli troops would continue to remain deployed in the region for as long as necessary.
The remarks come as the first round of US-Iran talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the war in West Asia concluded earlier today, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators. Lebanon Ceasefire Talks Continue According to mediators, Washington and Tehran have agreed to establish a “de-confliction cell" involving Lebanon to help ensure adherence to the cessation of military operations under a broader understanding reached last week. The signed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran includes provisions for a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of efforts to end the wider conflict. However, Israeli strikes and clashes with Hezbollah late last week had threatened to derail the arrangement. Meanwhile, fighting in Lebanon has been paused since Saturday evening. However, Netanyahu’s latest comments have renewed tensions and raised questions over the durability of the calm. Lebanon entered into the war after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel on March 2 in support of Iran.
Israel responded with sustained air and ground operations, pushing its troops into a border zone inside Lebanese territory where they have carried out demolition and bulldozing operations. Lebanese authorities say the fighting has killed more than 4,100 people and displaced over one million residents since the escalation began. A separate assessment released earlier today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Lebanon’s Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) estimated that direct damage in southern Lebanon from the latest Israel-Hezbollah war stands at around $1.38 billion. The report said 11,095 buildings were completely destroyed, affecting nearly 18,000 housing units, while thousands more sustained partial or minor damage. The assessment was based on satellite imagery comparisons conducted between April and October 2025, meaning it does not account for the most recent weeks of damage. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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