Several municipalities in southern Lebanon published directives on Monday evening for their residents to organize their return, in anticipation of the official withdrawal of the Israeli army from their villages, with some choosing to postpone it to Wednesday for safety reasons. Earlier, Israel announced its intention to maintain troops in five positions, beyond the new deadline set by the cease-fire agreement, despite efforts by Lebanese authorities to secure a complete withdrawal.

The municipality of Houla (Marjayoun) stated in a statement that it was informed by the Lebanese army that they would proceed on Tuesday to open and secure the village roads. It therefore invites "residents to postpone their return to the village to Wednesday, to allow the teams to accomplish their mission effectively and quickly."

The municipality of Kfar Kila, in the same district, also stated in a statement that residents should return to the village on Wednesday. "The precise moment of our entry into the village has not yet been determined, and we are awaiting the effective entrance of the Lebanese army and its deployment in all neighborhoods and streets," it stated. "We assure you that we will organize a safe entry into the village Wednesday morning, and details will be specified tomorrow."

The municipality of Blida, also in the Marjayoun district, announced that the return of residents would take place on Tuesday "as soon as the army has entered and taken position in the village." It also provided a series of recommendations. Access to the village will only be possible via Aitaroun "once the Lebanese army has opened the roads, removed explosive devices, and conducted a security survey in neighborhoods and homes."

The municipalities of Blida and Mais al-Jabal also requested residents to not touch any "suspicious object and to report it immediately." They also specified that "only Lebanese people will be allowed to enter the village" and that "scrap metal dealers" would not be permitted.

"It is forbidden to remove or move objects from houses, except through their owners, after obtaining authorization issued by the municipality," they added. The municipality of Mais al-Jabal also advised its residents "to not use well water for consumption due to the presence of toxic substances."

The municipality of Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil) asked its residents "to not enter the village before 11:00 a.m." on Tuesday.

"The only authorized path to enter and exit the village will be via the Bint Jbeil - Maroun al-Ras road," it added. Like other municipalities, it asks residents to report any suspicious objects and states that "entry of scrap metal collection vehicles is prohibited, as is the entry of non-Lebanese individuals."

The cease-fire agreement, which came into effect on Nov. 27, was concluded after two months of open war between Israel and Hezbollah, during which Israeli troops took positions in southern Lebanon, bordering northern Israel. According to the terms of the agreement, Israel was supposed to have completed its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, with only the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to be deployed there. Hezbollah was required to dismantle its infrastructure and withdraw north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. However, the deadline was then delayed to Feb. 18.

On the eve of this new deadline, an Israeli army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, declared from Jerusalem that troops would remain in five positions in southern Lebanon. Before this announcement, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the former army chief, called on the truce agreement guarantors, namely the United States and France, to exert pressure on Israel, expressing concern that "a complete withdrawal might not be achieved" Tuesday.