Gaza The Lebanese government on Monday confirmed it has agreed to a three-week extension of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, after consultations with the US. Washington said the US-brokered deal would remain in effect until February 18,

The Lebanese army said Saturday it was ready to deploy its forces in the country's south, accusing Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal under a ceasefire, a day before the pullout deadline.

Israel said it would keep troops in the south beyond the Sunday deadline because the Lebanese army had not yet fully deployed to ensure that Hezbollah does not reestablish its presence in the area.