Credited from: SCMP
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the military is authorized to use "full force" in Lebanon, even amid the ongoing ceasefire, emphasizing that this action aims to protect Israeli soldiers from threats. Katz stated, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to act with full force, both on the ground and from the air" should any dangers to troops arise, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.
The Israeli military has commenced demolitions of houses and other structures in the border region that are believed to have been utilized by Hezbollah. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a security zone in southern Lebanon, with reports confirming that demolitions were actively taking place in towns like Bint Jbeil, which previously experienced heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Katz remarked that these actions are necessary to eliminate threats to Israeli communities, according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.
Tragically, an Israeli soldier was killed on Friday when he entered a booby-trapped building, highlighting the ongoing dangers even during the ceasefire that commenced the same day. Reports indicate that this ceasefire followed a surge of violence that included Hezbollah launching rockets towards Israel and the IDF responding with significant military action, as noted by Channel News Asia and Le Monde.
In the context of international relations, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss support for Lebanon's territorial integrity and address the situation in southern Lebanon, where recent violence has escalated. This meeting coincides with rising tensions following the ceasefire, which was established after intense conflict that resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, according to Le Monde.