The US-brokered ceasefire between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel is expected to be fully implemented by the deadline set for later this month, according to sources and officials familiar with the matter.

The original agreement, mediated by the Biden administration, required Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon within 60 days of the Nov. 26 agreement. The Israeli forces were to be replaced by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Hezbollah was to pull back its fighters and weapons at least 20 miles from the border with Israel, north of the Litani River.

With the deal expiring on Jan. 26, the US announced that a “short, temporary ceasefire extension” was necessary to ensure Hezbollah could not threaten the Lebanese people or its neighbors. The new deadline was set for Feb. 18.

During her visit to Beirut last week, Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace Morgan Ortagus, leading a US delegation, toured southern Lebanon. From Beirut, Ortagus affirmed that the US remained “very committed to that firm date [of Feb. 18].”

However, reports surfaced on Monday that embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seeking an additional deadline extension. A White House source told Al Arabiya English that Israel had not formally requested a second extension, saying, “We are on track for the 18th for the [Israeli withdrawal] to the border [with Lebanon].”

“Israel’s withdrawal remains on the existing timeline, and they did not request an extension,” White House National Security Council Spokesman Brain Hughes tells Al Arabiya English.

Officials in Beirut have warned that if Israel fails to withdraw by the deadline, it would play into Hezbollah’s hands. Washington is also reportedly firm in its position, fearing a fresh round of conflict between the Iran-backed group and US-supported Israel. Sources familiar with US intelligence told Al Arabiya English that the LAF’s deployment along the border with Israel has significantly increased in recent weeks.

As part of the increased deployment, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the LAF is expected to receive aid from Arab countries in the coming weeks, including multi-faceted trucks for the border. The US has been the primary backer of the LAF since 2006, providing over $2 billion in aid.

Hezbollah’s dominance in Lebanon and its involvement in the Yemen war in support of the Houthis had previously derailed a $3 billion Saudi aid package in 2016 meant to support the LAF and the Internal Security Forces (ISF). However, following the Israeli military defeat of Hezbollah last year, the election of a new president in Lebanon last month, and the formation of a new government on Saturday, the international community is now renewing its interest in supporting the country.

According to Bloomberg, Lebanon’s dollar-denominated bonds reached their highest level since March 2020 this week. Any renewed fighting or war risks pushing the country—already struggling with decades of corruption, financial instability, and diplomatic isolation due to Hezbollah—closer to complete collapse.