The political echelon has directed the IDF to cease fire in southern Lebanon, according to a report. The military opposes the directive, with troops reportedly feeling their hands are tied.
Saturday evening, 20:40 Jerusalem — The political echelon has ordered the IDF to cease fire in southern Lebanon, a report says, with military officials reportedly opposing the directive and describing it as a severe restriction on operational freedom. The development follows a chain of reported orders and denials throughout the day.
At 18:04 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a Telegram-based claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu had directed the IDF to cease fire after a social media post by President Trump — an unverified report. By 18:15, an IDF confirmation of receipt of a political directive to cease fire was published, with the military remaining on high alert for Iranian threats. At 20:34, a further report stated Netanyahu had clarified troops may respond to threats against forces, while the evening report now indicates the directive is binding and the military's opposition is explicit.
As The Zioneer has reported, the IDF earlier on Saturday stated it was not initiating strikes in Lebanon, only acting against existential threats. A senior Israeli security source told The Zioneer at 08:34 Jerusalem that 'in Lebanon there is a war, not a ceasefire.' The Lebanese army condemned continued Israeli strikes earlier Saturday, reporting hits from the south to the Bekaa Valley.
What remains unverified: whether the earlier claim linking the ceasefire order to President Trump's social media activity is accurate; the specific timing or mechanism of the political directive; and whether the cease-fire order extends to all Lebanese territory or is limited to the south as previously reported.
5 developments
- DevelopingIDF maintains operations in southern Lebanon, military says
- DevelopingMilitary analyst: IDF retains freedom of action in southern Lebanon, no withdrawal from occupied areas
- ConfirmedIDF continues strikes in southern Lebanon despite announced agreement
- StrongIDF says it is not initiating strikes in Lebanon, only responding to existential threats
Source and signal
- Internal intake