The Israeli army has once again cautioned Lebanese civilians against returning to villages in southern Lebanon, where military operations continue under the extended ceasefire agreement. 

Col. Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesman, issued a statement on X, confirming the continued deployment of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

"Residents of Lebanon, as you know, the Israeli army has recently redeployed to various locations in southern Lebanon, per the ceasefire agreement, to gradually enable the effective deployment of the Lebanese army, and dismantling and removing the Hezbollah terror group, with its operatives and infrastructure, from southern Lebanon," Adraee stated.

He emphasized that the ceasefire agreement's implementation had been extended for several weeks and that the process of redeployment is being conducted carefully and gradually.

"The deployment process is taking place gradually, and in some sectors, it is being postponed and requires more time to ensure that Hezbollah cannot re-establish its strength there," Adraee added.

Despite the ongoing military efforts, Adraee criticized Hezbollah, accusing the militant group of prioritizing its narrow interests over the welfare of Lebanon.

"Hezbollah, as usual, puts its narrow interests above the interests of the Lebanese state and tries through its mouthpieces to heat up the situation, despite being the main reason for the destruction of the south," he said, further stressing the group's role in the ongoing instability in the region.

The Israeli army spokesman reiterated that all previously published instructions regarding the safety of returning to the border villages remain in effect.

"Until further notice, all previously published instructions remain in effect," he said, adding that the military would update the public when it is safe to return to the affected areas.