Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz pushed back Monday against claims that IDF troops are being restricted in southern Lebanon, after reports said commanders were operating under tighter rules in the security zone.

Katz said Israel’s security and the safety of IDF forces “stand above every other consideration,” giving full backing to soldiers and commanders in the field. “IDF commanders and soldiers have full backing from the prime minister, from me and from the IDF leadership — and full freedom of action to act decisively against every threat: in southern Lebanon, in the Gaza Strip and wherever required to defend the State of Israel,” he said.

Netanyahu issued a similar statement, saying the policy has not changed. “My directive and the defense minister’s directive to the IDF is clear and has not changed: our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or developing threat to them or to residents of the north. The IDF has no restriction on this matter,” he said.

Both statements came despite an NYT report citing two Israeli officials who said IDF commanders in Lebanon had been significantly restricted. According to the report, troops may now fire only at an immediate threat unless they receive direct approval from the chief of staff. It also said soldiers were barred from demolishing homes and infrastructure without approval from senior officers.

Katz said the IDF will remain in the security zone in Lebanon to protect northern communities, stop threats and destroy terrorist infrastructure above and below ground. Netanyahu also said Israel would remain there “as long as required” to protect the north and all Israeli citizens.