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.

Israel is slowly withdrawing from Lebanese villages it occupied, as part of a ceasefire deal. Lebanese residents waiting to return to their villages say the Israeli military has destroyed nearly everything.

The U.S.-backed cease-fire is to end next week, but the Trump administration said more time is needed to end the threat from Hezbollah and get Israelis back into their homes.