Israeli forces have extended their presence in southern Lebanon beyond the Sunday deadline set for their withdrawal, citing incomplete implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

The ceasefire, negotiated by the United States and France, was meant to end 14 months of conflict and involved the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, as well as the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weaponry from the region. The agreement also included the deployment of Lebanese military forces in the area, which for years had been under Hezbollah’s influence.

The exact number of Israeli troops remaining in Lebanon and the timeline for their continued presence are unclear as of Sunday. The delay in withdrawal occurred as some Lebanese civilians attempted to return to their homes, despite warnings from both Lebanese and Israeli military authorities. According to the Lebanese health ministry, three people were killed and 44 others injured by Israeli military actions, although Israel has not commented on the incident.

This situation represents a significant challenge for Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, and army chief, who are focused on stabilizing the country amidst ongoing crises. Aoun emphasized in a statement on Sunday that Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity were non-negotiable, and that he was addressing the matter at the highest levels of government.

The escalation of the conflict last September led to widespread violence, including an Israeli air campaign, the targeted killing of senior Hezbollah leaders, and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. The offensive resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, many of them civilians, and displaced over 1.2 million people.

On Friday, Israel’s prime minister’s office stated that the planned troop withdrawal was contingent on the Lebanese military’s full deployment in southern Lebanon and the effective enforcement of the ceasefire agreement. The statement also indicated that Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas south of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the Blue Line (the unofficial border), was necessary for the process to move forward. The gradual withdrawal would continue in coordination with the United States, as the agreement had not yet been fully implemented by Lebanon.

The Lebanese military issued a statement on Saturday noting that, while it was continuing its efforts to strengthen its presence along the border, delays in Israeli troop withdrawal had complicated the process. These delays were attributed to Israel’s need for more time to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon. According to a diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations, the initial plan had called for a 30-day extension to facilitate the full implementation of the agreement.

Hezbollah has not publicly commented on the situation since the deadline passed. Earlier in the week, the group warned that failure to meet the withdrawal deadline would constitute a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire, infringing on Lebanon’s sovereignty and marking a new phase of occupation. However, it refrained from detailing any potential responses to the continued Israeli military presence.

The group’s silence may reflect its weakened position following the intense conflict, which significantly depleted its resources and leadership, including the death of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. Despite this, Hezbollah retains considerable support among Lebanon’s Shia population.

The ceasefire deal, although seen by many as a concession by Hezbollah, successfully ended the hostilities that caused extensive damage in Lebanon, allowing many displaced civilians to return to their homes. However, if Hezbollah chooses to resume attacks, it may face internal and external criticism for having drawn Lebanon into a conflict that many view as contrary to the nation’s interests.