A senior Lebanese official has revealed that the Lebanese government received a recent warning from U.S. diplomatic sources that its deadline to disarm militias north of the Litani River expires on January 15. The notice cautioned that Israel could launch a new military campaign against Hezbollah if the deadline is not met.

The official, speaking to Erem News on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. is pressing for the government to announce progress during its upcoming session this week. The session is intended to review the army’s report on the completion of the first phase of the State’s disarmament operation south of the Litani River.

U.S. diplomats reportedly told Lebanese authorities that they do not rule out the possibility of Israel conducting a fresh military operation on Lebanese soil if Beirut fails to announce the second phase of disarmament before mid-month.

The official added that any potential Israeli strikes would not be limited to Hezbollah positions. Sites belonging to Lebanese State institutions could also be targeted, as Washington views them as having contributed to delays in the disarmament process and potentially encouraging Hezbollah to maintain its stance.