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 operational freedom to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to residents

The IDF has no limitations in this matter. I stand behind them, the entire nation stands behind them. I stand firm that we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the residents of the north and all citizens of the country.