Israeli soldiers in Lebanon free to act against threats, Defense Minister says

On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to Lebanon's state news agency NNA. Israel stated these strikes were a retaliatory measure for projectiles launched by Hezbollah towards its troops in southern Lebanon. An Israeli official described the targets as "Hezbollah targets."

Despite the ceasefire, Katz affirmed that Israeli troops would maintain their positions within the security zone, which Israel has established approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon. He stated that the purpose of this zone is to protect northern Israeli communities and that forces are operating from there against what Israel terms "terrorists and terrorist infrastructures."

Hezbollah has indicated its right to engage Israeli forces within Lebanon but has pledged to halt attacks on northern Israel. Iran has warned that it would not enter talks on a broader agreement with Washington unless Israel ended its attacks on Lebanon.