The security cabinet approved on Thursday night for IDF troops to remain in certain areas of southern Lebanon beyond the planned 60-day withdrawal deadline outlined in the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal, a security source told The Jerusalem Post.
Talks are set to begin with the Trump administration about the presence of the troops that will remain in southern Lebanon.
Israel has previously said that troops will ultimately remain in southern Lebanese territory even after the 60-day period of the ceasefire comes to a close on Sunday.
"We have no idea how long that will be. Coordination with the Trump administration on this issue is very important to us," the source told the Post.
This comes amid dissatisfaction in Israel regarding the Lebanese Armed Forces' performance in carrying out its responsibilities in preventing Hezbollah from operating in southern Lebanon.
PMO confirms IDF to remain in Lebanon past deadline
"The ceasefire agreement in Lebanon stipulates that the IDF's gradual withdrawal is to be completed within 60 days," the Prime Minister's Office said with regard to the deal on Friday. "This clause was drafted with the understanding that the withdrawal process may extend beyond the 60-day timeframe."
"The IDF's withdrawal is contingent upon the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, including Hezbollah's withdrawal north of the Litani River," the statement read.
"Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by Lebanon, the gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States," the PMO added.
'Otherwise, we learned nothing from October 7'
MK Benny Gantz wrote in a Friday post on X/Twitter that Israel's military should not leave the buffer zone area in Lebanon.
"The IDF must continue to intensify its actions against any Hezbollah violation, whether minor or severe," Gantz wrote, noting "We must insist on the full implementation of the agreement by the Lebanese government."
"It is imperative to prioritize the security of northern residents and ensure that the threat to northern communities does not reemerge," he asserted.
"Otherwise, we have learned nothing from October 7."