The Lebanese army had given itself until the end of 2025 to complete the first phase of its plan to clear the south and disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group has been resisting attempts to disarm it, as Israel continues its bombardment of the south and east of the country where Hezbollah has traditionally held sway.

Israel's military said on Thursday it had carried out a targeted strike on a rocket launch site near Gaza City after identifying a failed launch, as questions mount over when the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire will begin.