TAYBEH, LEBANON (VINnews) – Israel’s military chief declared Wednesday there is no ceasefire in southern Lebanon, with troops continuing operations to eliminate Hezbollah threats and secure Israel’s northern border communities.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, speaking during a visit to the southern Lebanon town of Taybeh where Israeli forces are deployed, said the Israel Defense Forces will not leave their positions in the new security zone until long-term safety for northern Israel is guaranteed.

“We will not tolerate attacks and fire on our communities, and we will not leave until long-term security for the northern communities is ensured,” Zamir said, according to remarks released by the IDF.

The chief of staff told troops that the mission set by Israel’s political leadership is to hold a line preventing direct fire on Israeli communities.

“We have achieved this; this is the line we are on. We may be required to remain on it,” he said.

Zamir stressed that fighting continues unabated.

“On the combat front, there is no ceasefire; you continue to fight, to remove direct and indirect threats from the northern communities, to thwart terror infrastructure, to locate and kill terrorists,” he said.

He added that Israeli forces have freedom to act against any threat, including those north of the Litani River.

“Any threat, anywhere, to our communities or our forces, including beyond the Yellow Line and north of the Litani [River], will be removed,” Zamir said. “Your mission and duty are to act with freedom of action and remove any threat.”

At this stage, he noted, forces are not advancing beyond the current line but will continue operations without restrictions.

“The forces on the ground continue to operate, and there is no restriction on [destroying] infrastructure and killing terrorists,” he said.

Zamir said the IDF is working to deepen its operational achievements while protecting its troops.

The comments come amid ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s capabilities following months of cross-border fighting.