Israel says to use ‘full force’ in Lebanon despite truce if soldiers face threat

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday (April 19, 2026) that the military had been instructed to use “full force” in Lebanon, even during the ongoing ceasefire, should Israeli troops face any threat.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to act with full force, both on the ground and from the air, including during the ceasefire, in order to protect our soldiers in Lebanon from any threat,” Mr. Katz said at a function in the occupied West Bank.