Lebanon: Israeli troops under new defensive-only orders, New York Times reports

The IDF has issued new operational directives restricting military activity in southern Lebanon, according to a report by The New York Times citing two Israeli officials familiar with the matter.

Under the new orders, Israeli troops are limited primarily to defensive actions and may only open fire in response to an immediate threat unless they receive explicit authorization from the IDF chief of staff, the report said.

The directives reportedly also prohibit soldiers from firing warning shots at civilians returning to southern Lebanon unless they approach Israeli positions closely enough to pose a potential threat.

In addition, troops are no longer permitted to demolish homes or other infrastructure within the security zone without approval from senior commanders, according to the report.

The reported changes come amid efforts to preserve the ceasefire in Lebanon and reduce friction along the border following months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The report appeared to contrast with remarks made earlier by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who said Israel faced "no restrictions" in Lebanon and maintained "full freedom of action" against threats targeting Israeli forces or communities in the north.

Neither the IDF nor the Prime Minister's Office immediately commented on the reported directives.