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State Department: Israel will retain its "self-defense" rights despite ceasefire with Lebanon

17 April 2026 06:15 (UTC +04:00)

Israel retained the right to "take all necessary measures in self-defense," despite the ceasefire with Lebanon, it was stated in a written statement released by the State Department and agreed upon with the governments of Israel and Lebanon, APA reports.

"Israel reserves the right to take all necessary measures in self-defense at any time against planned, impending, or ongoing attacks. This will not be prevented by the cessation of hostilities," the document states. "However, it will not, beyond this, conduct offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other government targets, on Lebanese territory, from land, air, or sea," the statement continues.

It also emphasizes that the government in Beirut, with foreign support, will take "significant steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other <...> non-state armed groups from launching any attacks, operations or incursions from Lebanese territory against Israeli targets."

Finally, the statement clarified that the 10-day ceasefire agreed upon by Israel and Lebanon could be extended. "The initial period could be extended by mutual agreement between Lebanon and Israel if negotiations demonstrate progress and Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to maintain sovereignty," the US State Department stated.