Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Sunday that Israeli forces retain the authority to act without restrictions to counter threats in Lebanon, where a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Friday. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli strikes on Saturday reportedly killed at least 20 people in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA.

The Israeli military said its actions were in response to projectile attacks launched by Hezbollah against Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon. An Israeli official described the strikes as targeting Hezbollah positions following these provocations. In contrast, a Hezbollah spokesperson reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire, contingent on Israel's adherence, and argued that Israeli forces should not have freedom of movement in southern Lebanon. The spokesperson also stated that Hezbollah had not engaged Israeli forces since 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Security sources indicated that Israel did not conduct any significant strikes on Lebanese territory after that time, marking the longest pause in major hostilities since the conflict began on March 2. The Israeli military declined to specify the last time it fired on Lebanon or clashed with Hezbollah and did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding claims of the ceasefire’s effective enforcement after Saturday evening.

The tensions persist against a backdrop of broader regional dynamics. Iranian officials have identified Lebanon as a key issue in ongoing peace talks scheduled for Sunday in Switzerland, following a recent US-Iran agreement intended to de-escalate hostilities that have heightened tensions since late February.

Katz emphasized that Israeli troops will maintain their positions within what Israel designates as the security zone, extending roughly 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah asserts it has the right to confront Israeli forces operating within Lebanon but has committed to refraining from attacks targeting northern Israel.

Lebanese Civil Defence confirmed that at least 20 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on Saturday in areas including southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley—both known as Hezbollah strongholds—occurring hours after the ceasefire was declared. The situation remains fragile as both sides navigate the terms and enforcement of the ceasefire amid ongoing regional negotiations.