IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir responded to cabinet ministers' complaints regarding military restrictions in Lebanon during a meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Ministers had expressed concerns that Israeli soldiers were unduly restricted under the ceasefire agreement.

IDF Chief of Staff Zamir responded to the ministers, stating, "You wanted a ceasefire." National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir then stated that he did not want a ceasefire "exactly for this reason" and called for its collapse. Ben-Gvir also questioned the military's approach to emerging threats, asking, "What happens with an emerging threat? If you see Hezbollah arming itself, why don't you dismantle them?" He added that after several IDF soldiers were wounded by a Hezbollah grenade, "we can hit hundreds of targets and bomb them."

National Missions Minister Orit Strock offered comments on the situation in Lebanon. Strock stated, "It's better if they respond to every threat immediately." She further commented that IDF forces in Lebanon "feel like they're in a firing range."

In recent days, the IDF has fired on Hezbollah approximately twice daily when Hezbollah operatives have approached IDF positions, particularly near the Ali al-Taher Ridge. Both sides have generally respected the ceasefire since the prior Saturday or Sunday.

Why It Matters

The exchange between IDF leadership and cabinet ministers reflects differing perspectives on military engagement within the ceasefire framework in Lebanon. A US State Department official claimed Israel had withdrawn from some southern Lebanese territory, but Israeli and Lebanese officials denied this claim.