Following clashes with Hezbollah operatives and southern Lebanon residents trying to enter villages still held by the IDF today (Sunday), resulting in over ten dead and several wounded, the IDF released a statement explaining its actions:
The IDF continues to operate under the political echelon's guidance in several areas of southern Lebanon and is deployed in the area while conducting forward defense.
There was preparation for a potential attempt by civilians to reach below the line defined in the agreement, in light of the 60-day expiration.
Since this morning, hundreds of civilians, including Hezbollah activists, are trying to reach the first village line at multiple points, conducting "demonstration marches" and attempting to create provocation. It should be noted that they are not currently near the border.
IDF forces are deployed alongside UNIFIL forces to prevent enemy and civilian return beyond the agreed line. The fighters are conducting distance fire to remove a threat or prevent approach to the fence area.
So far, IDF forces have stopped several suspects who approached and posed a real threat. The suspects were transferred for field interrogation.
The report of injury to a UNIFIL soldier is known, but the full details, including reports of a killed UNIFIL soldier, are not yet known and are being investigated.
As explained by the political echelon according to the agreement, withdrawal is not required at the end of 60 days. Discussions about extending the implementation period and the location of IDF forces in the area on a temporary basis are ongoing between the political echelon, the US, and Lebanon.
The IDF continues to operate in accordance with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and to monitor Hezbollah's attempts to return to southern Lebanon.
Both the government and the IDF have repeatedly stated that the Lebanese Army is not fulfilling its role in making sure Hezbollah does not rebuild its forces in men or material in southern Lebanon, and that units with Shiite commanders and soldiers are even helping the terrorist group.
Moreover, Northern Command Commander Uri Gordin said that Hezbollah had committed "hundreds" of violations of the agreement in trying to smuggle armed operatives and move weapons in the area, contrary to the agreement.
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