Any prolonged Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon could breathe new life into Hezbollah, challenging the political momentum of Lebanon’s new president and prime minister.

The deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon expired early on Sunday, but troops will remain in some areas as Israel says a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah has not been fully implemented.

Israel’s military says it won’t complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday as outlined in its ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah militants.