'IDF faces no restrictions': Netanyahu's message could shake the US-Iran ceasefire
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 22, 2026
"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 freedom of action to thwart any direct or developing threat to them or to the residents of the North. The IDF… pic.twitter.com/BApXbI4h9z
TEL AVIV: Even though ending the war on all fronts - including halting Israel's strikes on Lebanon - remains a key condition for a permanent US-Iran deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, June 22, that there is no restriction on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Netanyahu’s statement comes shortly after Iran announced that it plans to restrict the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s attack on Lebanon.
Netanyahu backs troops amid border security threats
Israel’s continued operations against the radical group have strained the US-Iran ceasefire reached last week.
“The directive from me and the Defense Minister to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] is clear and has not changed: our forces in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat against them or against the residents of northern Israel. The IDF faces no restrictions in this matter,” Netanyahu said in public remarks.
“I stand behind them, and the entire nation stands behind them,” he added.
Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon
Israel has continued its assault in the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing dozens, including civilians, in recent attacks.
Israel currently maintains a security zone in southern Lebanon that serves as a buffer along the border.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration helped broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that established “pilot zones,” where Lebanese authorities and the Israeli military would coordinate efforts to push Hezbollah out of the area.
“I remain firm in my position that we will stay in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the residents of the north and all citizens of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said on Monday.
Netanyahu:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 21, 2026
As long as we need to protect our people, we will remain in the "security zone" in South Lebanon.
The reason is perfectly understood. No country would be asked to do otherwise. pic.twitter.com/yBdbMKZoom
On Friday, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew their ceasefire while the US began a 60-day negotiating period with Tehran to ensure a long-lasting peace deal.
Less than 24 hours after the ceasefire framework was announced, Israel launched strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Saturday, saying the operation was a response to a Hezbollah attack a day earlier that killed four Israeli soldiers inside the security zone.
