Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that Israel’s policy in southern Lebanon has not changed, saying the IDF has full freedom of action to stop any direct or developing threat against Israeli forces or the residents of the north.

Netanyahu said the directive, issued together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, is clear: Israeli fighters in southern Lebanon face no restrictions when acting to thwart Hezbollah threats. His statement comes amid continued pressure over Israel’s presence in the security zone and the demand that northern residents be protected before any withdrawal is considered.

“I stand behind them, the entire nation stands behind them,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon “as long as necessary” to protect the residents of the north and all Israeli citizens.