"The outline for the ceasefire in Lebanon stipulates that the IDF's phased withdrawal should be implemented within 60 days. The clause was worded this way with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement Friday.

The US and Lebanon say the ceasefire deal with Israel - which had been due to expire on Sunday - has been extended until mid-February. Israel had kept troops deployed in Lebanon beyond the initial deadline,

Displaced Lebanese residents were shot by Israeli forces as they returned to southern Lebanon despite warnings that troops had yet to withdraw.