IDF Chief Eyal Zamir Declares No Ceasefire in Southern Lebanon While Troops Maintain Strategic Security Zone

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir confirms IDF troops will stay in southern Lebanon until threats are removed, stating combat operations against Hezbollah continue.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 1:19 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Israel Defense Forces

Operational Continuity on the Northern Front

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir clarified the military's current standing during an inspection of frontline units, asserting that "there is no ceasefire" on the southern Lebanon front. Speaking directly to commanders and soldiers this morning, Zamir noted that while the political echelon navigates diplomatic channels, the military mission remains focused on active combat. He confirmed that Israeli forces are continuing to engage with Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel, emphasizing that the military remains in a state of high-intensity operational readiness to address both direct and indirect threats.

Consolidation of the New Security Zone

During his visit to the recently captured Lebanese town of Taybeh, Zamir detailed the current positioning of the IDF along a designated security line. This newly established zone is intended to prevent direct fire, including anti-tank guided missiles and short-range rockets, from reaching Israeli border communities. The Chief of Staff indicated that the IDF has achieved its primary positioning objectives and may be required to maintain these forward deployments for an indefinite period. He stressed that a withdrawal would only be considered once long-term security guarantees are firmly established and the threat to northern civilians is removed.

Freedom of Action Beyond the Yellow Line

Zamir issued a directive to his troops to maintain total freedom of action in addressing threats, regardless of geographic boundaries. He explicitly stated that the IDF will target and remove any threat to its forces or Israeli communities, even if those threats are located beyond the established "Yellow Line" or north of the Litani River. This policy of proactive engagement is designed to thwart Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild terror infrastructure or reposition long-range assets during the current period of diplomatic sensitivity. The IDF chief made it clear that there are currently no restrictions on destroying militant infrastructure or neutralizing combatants.