IDF Eases Restrictions in Northern Israel as Ceasefire with Hezbollah Holds

On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) relaxed restrictions in northern Israel, signaling a step toward normalcy as the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah largely held. Under the new guidelines, schools in northern frontier communities and the northern Golan Heights can open, provided there is adequate shelter available in case of emergencies.

Public gatherings have also been allowed, with up to 200 people permitted to gather in open spaces and up to 600 in closed spaces. However, beaches in the region remain closed. Restrictions on gatherings and schools have been completely lifted in other areas of northern Israel.

The changes, approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz, followed a fresh assessment of the security situation in the area. The easing of restrictions came just days after a full lifting of all restrictions south of Haifa, one day after the ceasefire went into effect.

The ceasefire agreement sets a 60-day transition period, during which the IDF will withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. During this time, the Lebanese Army will deploy some 5,000 troops south of the Litani River, and Hezbollah is prohibited from operating south of the river, several kilometers from the Israeli border.

However, despite the ceasefire, several violations have been reported. Over the weekend, the IDF conducted several strikes on Hezbollah operatives and facilities in southern Lebanon. A drone strike targeted a group of Hezbollah gunmen loading weapons, and fighter jets struck a Hezbollah facility near Sidon, which was used to store rocket launchers. In addition, the IDF carried out a drone strike on a Hezbollah vehicle linked to a missile manufacturing facility.

The ceasefire follows intense hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli communities and military posts. These attacks, in support of Gaza amid the ongoing conflict there, included rocket fire targeting cities in northern and central Israel.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Hezbollah's attacks on Israel have led to the deaths of 45 civilians and 76 IDF soldiers. The IDF estimates that around 3,500 Hezbollah operatives have been killed in the conflict.