The Israeli government on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of implementing the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, just days before its forces are scheduled to complete their withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the terms of the deal.

“There have been positive movements where the Lebanese army and UNIFIL have taken the place of Hezbollah forces, as stipulated in the agreement,” Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said in a press briefing, referring to the UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. “However, these movements have not been fast enough, and there is much more work to do,” he added, underscoring Israel's commitment to continuing the agreement.

When asked about the possibility of Israeli forces remaining in Lebanon beyond the 60-day deadline, Mencer refrained from providing a direct response.

Reports from Israeli media and Bloomberg indicate that Israel has requested an additional 30 days to finalize the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon. This extension request comes just days before the January 26 deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, which was signed on November 27.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Israeli army is required to transfer all its positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army within 60 days. However, Israeli assessments suggest that delays in the Lebanese military’s deployment have disrupted the withdrawal process.

According to Haaretz, discussions are ongoing between U.S., French, Israeli, and Lebanese officials regarding the extension. French officials are reportedly open to granting the additional 30 days, provided there is consensus among all parties. However, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump appears less inclined to approve the extension, advocating for adherence to the original timeline.

Despite the U.S. hesitation, Michael Herzog, Israel’s outgoing ambassador to Washington, expressed optimism during an interview with Israeli Army Radio.

“The incoming administration understands our needs and our position on security. I believe we will reach an agreement on this issue,” Herzog said, adding that the 60-day timeline was "not set in stone" and had been designed with some flexibility in mind.

Bloomberg also reported that French officials and sources involved in the discussions believe an extension would provide more time for Lebanese troops to deploy fully and for Hezbollah to retreat to areas north of the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometers from the border.

Diplomatic and Military Tensions

Three diplomats told Reuters that it appears Israeli forces will remain in some parts of southern Lebanon beyond the 60-day deadline. A senior Lebanese political source revealed that President Joseph Aoun has been in contact with U.S. and French officials, urging them to press Israel to complete the withdrawal within the agreed timeframe.

The Lebanese government has warned U.S. mediators that any delay in Israel’s withdrawal could hinder the Lebanese army’s deployment and jeopardize the diplomatic progress made since Aoun’s election on January 9. Lebanese officials view Israel’s compliance with the deadline as critical to maintaining the optimistic momentum that followed Aoun’s inauguration.

Israeli Military Operations

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and weapons stockpiles. The Israeli army announced that soldiers from the 7th Armored Brigade have discovered and seized Russian-made anti-tank missiles, grenades, and assault rifles.

In collaboration with the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, the army also located and destroyed tunnels used by Hezbollah for weapons storage. The military confirmed that these operations are part of efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s capabilities in the area, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.

Moreover, Israeli forces advanced into the Ras Al-Daher neighborhood, west of Meis Al-Jabal, conducting house raids with tank support and heavy gunfire directed at the homes.  

The Israeli military also demolished all restaurants and coffee places along the banks of the Wazzani River.  

Later in the afternoon, Israeli forces carried out a large explosion in Kfarkila.  

The army shelled the Marjayoun plain with artillery and conducted demolitions inside the town of Houla. It also set fire to a house in the eastern neighborhood of Qantara, near Taybeh, and demolished several structures in agricultural areas in the Maysat-Wazzani region.  

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army allowed residents of Naqoura to return to their town to inspect their homes.