Israeli security officials say the military halted active fire in Lebanon on a political directive, but has not withdrawn from the area. Forces retain full operational freedom inside the Yellow Line marker to clear terrorist infrastructure, and will respond forcefully to any Hezbollah violation, as demonstrated by over 300 targets struck and approximately 100 operatives eliminated in the past two days, according to security sources cited by Channel 12.
The IDF ceased active fire in Lebanon on Saturday on a direct political directive, but troops are holding their positions and have not withdrawn, security sources told Channel 12 tonight. The military retains full freedom of action inside the Yellow Line marker — the Israeli-defined security zone — to clear terrorist infrastructure and will respond forcefully to any Hezbollah violation, the sources emphasized. The development follows a period of intense fighting over the past two days, during which the IDF struck more than 300 targets and eliminated approximately 100 Hezbollah operatives, per military figures cited by Channel 12.
Earlier on Saturday morning, The Zioneer reported that Israeli security sources dismissed suggestions of a ceasefire, insisting that IDF operations continued despite diplomatic rumors. By Friday afternoon, the story had evolved rapidly: at 16:23 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that after a purported 16:00 ceasefire took effect, the IAF struck at least 10 sites in southern Lebanon, with IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirming full operational freedom and accusing Hezbollah of violating the truce. Later that same hour, The Zioneer updated the thread to report 300+ targets struck and 100 operatives eliminated in 48 hours.
As The Zioneer reported on Friday, June 19, the IDF has repeatedly stated it retains operational freedom despite diplomatic movements. The clarification addresses earlier reports in which Israeli officials denied a ceasefire was in place. The military posture on the ground — forces deployed, equipment in place, patrols continuing — has not changed.
What remains open is the precise timing and sequence of the political directive, and whether this halt in active fire constitutes a tactical pause or a more durable shift in posture. There is no independent confirmation of the political echelon's directive from the Prime Minister's Office or the Defense Ministry beyond the security sources cited by Channel 12.
7 developments
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- StrongIDF warns it will return to 'intensive combat' in Lebanon if necessary
- ConfirmedSenior Israeli official: Netanyahu orders IDF to stay in security zone, vows forceful response to any Hezbollah attack
- DevelopingIDF strikes Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon as US Embassy in Israel issues shelter directive
Source and signal
- Internal intake