Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:  

"My instruction, and that of the Minister of Defense, to the IDF is clear and has not changed: our soldiers in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat against them or against the residents of the north. The IDF faces no restriction in this regard.  

I stand behind them; the entire nation stands behind them.  

I stand firm on our remaining in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the residents of the north and all citizens of the country."