IDF Chief: No Ceasefire in Southern Lebanon as Operations Continue
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TAYBEH, Lebanon (April 29, 2026) — Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir declared Tuesday that no ceasefire is currently in effect in southern Lebanon, affirming that military operations against Hezbollah will persist until northern Israeli settlements are no longer under threat.
Zamir made the announcement during a visit to the town of Taybeh, a location that has seen significant activity in the ongoing conflict. The Chief of Staff stated that the IDF remains committed to neutralizing the security risks posed by Hezbollah’s presence along the border.
"There is no ceasefire," Zamir said. "The IDF will continue targeting Hezbollah until the settlements in northern Israel are no longer threatened."
The statement marks a significant development in the prolonged standoff between Israel and the Lebanese militant group. Tensions have remained high in the region following a series of cross-border exchanges that have displaced thousands of civilians on both sides of the border. The IDF has maintained a heavy military presence in the area, conducting airstrikes and ground operations aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure.
Hezbollah has not immediately commented on Zamir's remarks. The group has previously stated that it would not stand down until Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanese territory and until a comprehensive political solution is reached regarding the border dispute. Hezbollah officials have repeatedly accused Israel of using military force to achieve political objectives that could be resolved through diplomatic channels.
The situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile. International observers have expressed concern over the potential for escalation, particularly as the conflict enters its later stages. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has called for an immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue.
Israeli officials have emphasized that the security of northern communities is the primary objective of the current military campaign. The IDF has stated that it will not halt operations until it is confident that Hezbollah's capabilities to launch attacks from southern Lebanon have been significantly degraded.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by regional and international mediators to broker a ceasefire agreement. Diplomatic channels remain active, with several nations urging both sides to exercise restraint. However, the path to a resolution remains unclear, with both parties maintaining firm positions on their respective demands.
As of Tuesday evening, no new ceasefire negotiations were reported to be underway. The IDF continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to respond to any developments that could impact the security of Israeli citizens. The status of the conflict remains fluid, with the potential for further military action or diplomatic breakthroughs in the coming days.