Israeli Army Continues Operations in Lebanon’s “Security Zone”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that they are continuing operations in the “security zone” in southern Lebanon, including inside the tunnel system of the Lebanese radical Shiite movement Hezbollah, where militants are hiding, but have ceased fire in other areas of the country. This was reported on Saturday, June 20, by The Times of Israel and dpa news agency, citing the IDF statement.

The IDF clarified that it received instructions from Israel’s political leadership to cease fire after a series of airstrikes against Hezbollah carried out on the night of June 20 and the morning of the same day, in response to attacks on soldiers. Nevertheless, the IDF will continue to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure within the “security perimeter,” including in the area of the Ali Tahar ridge, and will strike “immediate threats” outside it.

The IDF maintains heightened combat readiness in light of threats from Iran, according to Channel 7. The ceasefire agreement does not provide for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. Dozens of terrorists are blocked in the Ali Tahar ridge area, the channel reported.

Earlier, Iran announced a new ban on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. As reported by the Iranian agency Mehr on June 20, the decision was made in response to further Israeli army strikes on southern Lebanon.

Despite the declared truce between Hezbollah and Israel, at least ten people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on June 20. The Lebanese National News Agency NNA reported on the same day that the IDF attacked several areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley with fighter jets and drones.

The Israeli army said it acted in response to shelling by Hezbollah. According to its data, more than 50 shells were fired at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, after which the military struck Hezbollah targets. The group itself did not claim responsibility for the attack.