Israeli officials have signaled readiness to complete a phased handover of most positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Army by the extended February 18, 2026 deadline under the U.S.- and French-mediated ceasefire, while retaining control over five disputed sites along the border. Defense Minister Israel Katz has ruled out withdrawal from existing security zones and warned that any Hezbollah alignment with Iranian attacks could prompt further territorial expansion toward the Litani River. Hezbollah sources report accelerated rebuilding of capabilities on both sides of the river, exploiting perceived lulls in Israeli focus, while the IDF maintains forward defensive postures and conducts ongoing clearing operations. Lebanon rejects partial withdrawals and continues diplomatic efforts for full implementation and post-UNIFIL security arrangements, leaving the timing and scope of any complete pullback contingent on enforcement of Hezbollah disarmament south of the Litani and verification of Lebanese Army deployments.