Netanyahu: IDF has 'full freedom of action' in Lebanon, will remain there 'as long as necessary'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the IDF retains freedom of action to act against threats in Lebanon."My directive and that of the Minister of Defense to the IDF is clear and has not changed," said Netanyahu. "Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to the residents of the North."The IDF has no restrictions in this regard," he said. "I stand behind them; the entire nation stands behind them."I stand firm that we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to protect the residents of the North and all citizens of the country," he added.Israel reportedly contemplates 'symbolic' Lebanon withdrawalIsrael is contemplating announcing a "symbolic" withdrawal from certain territories in southern Lebanon as part of the upcoming round of talks, CNN reported earlier on Monday, citing an Israeli source familiar with the matter.The withdrawals would include forces pulling back from minor areas along the Yellow Line.