The Israeli army has accused Hezbollah of trying to escalate the military situation following the extension of the deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from areas of southern Lebanon.
"Hezbollah (Party of God), as always, puts petty interests ahead of those of the Lebanese state and tries, through its leaders, to 'heat up' the situation," Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adrai said in a message published on social media.
Adrai stressed that Israeli troops were recently redeployed to several locations in southern Lebanon in line with the ceasefire agreement and with the aim of gradually enabling the effective deployment of the Lebanese Army and dismantling and "eliminating the Hezbollah terrorist group".
The same official also said that the application of the agreement is still maintained, since the implementation process is being carried out gradually.
In some areas, he specified, the withdrawal is delayed and more time is needed to ensure that Hezbollah does not put new forces on the ground.
In this regard, Adrai also said that the Israeli Army will soon inform about the places where displaced civilians can return.
"We urge you to stand by and not allow Hezbollah to return and exploit you in an attempt to cover up the devastating repercussions of irresponsible decisions to the detriment of the security of the Lebanese state," he said.
Adrai's statement came hours after the US administration announced that the deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon had been extended until February 18.
The date was confirmed by Lebanon's outgoing Prime Minister Nayib Mikati, who reaffirmed Beirut's commitment to implementing the ceasefire.
Hezbollah has yet to comment on the matter.
The extension of that deadline, which was due to expire on Sunday, was announced hours after 22 people were shot dead by Israeli soldiers as they tried to return to their homes in southern Lebanon.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 125 displaced people were injured.
