Tel Aviv, June 21, (dpa/GNA) – The Israeli military has halted strikes in Lebanon, outside a self-declared “security zone” along the border, according to Israeli media reports citing the armed forces.
The move follows instructions from Israel’s political leadership, the reports said. Military operations will continue inside the zone in southern Lebanon, however, including efforts to target what the army described as an extensive tunnel network used by the Shiite Hezbollah militia.
Military commanders also retain the option of striking imminent threats outside the area, according to the reports. Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has described the military-established security zone as a buffer between Hezbollah forces in Lebanon and residents of northern Israel.
Israel will not withdraw from the area for as long as its security needs require it, Netanyahu has said. The Lebanese government, meanwhile, regards the territory controlled by Israel as an illegal occupation under international law.
Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating a ceasefire that took effect on Friday afternoon.
At least 35 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Saturday alone, according to authorities and media reports. The Israeli military said five Israeli soldiers were killed in separate incidents within the past two days.
The fighting has complicated negotiations between Iran and the United States. A framework agreement recently reached by Washington and Tehran includes provisions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon as well.
GNA