Israel is looking to extend its military presence in southern Lebanon beyond a Sunday withdrawal deadline, according to recent discussions. This comes as part of a November ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group.

The Israeli government has reportedly asked the US to allow its troops to stay for at least 30 more days. The request follows months of conflict that began last October when Hezbollah launched attacks in solidarity with Hamas. Since then, Israeli forces have been stationed in southern Lebanon, dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and targeting villages near the border.

The ceasefire agreement initially set a 60-day timeline for both Israeli and Hezbollah forces to withdraw from the area. However, Israeli officials argue that the Lebanese army hasn’t moved quickly enough to take over security responsibilities. “There is movement, but it’s not fast enough,” a spokesperson said, highlighting concerns about Hezbollah’s continued presence.

Hezbollah, on the other hand, has warned that any Israeli troops remaining past Sunday would be a “brazen breach” of the agreement. They’ve threatened to use “every means” to reclaim the land.

The US has been involved in brokering the deal, with officials noting progress but leaving room for flexibility. “The Lebanese Armed Forces have shown commitment, will, and capability,” a Defense Department official said, but it’s unclear if the withdrawal will stay on track.

Meanwhile, fears linger in northern Israel, where many residents worry that a full withdrawal could allow Hezbollah to move closer to the border. “We’re very worried about what will happen if the IDF pulls out,” said a local security expert, reflecting widespread anxiety.

As Sunday’s deadline approaches, tensions remain high, with both sides watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.