Israel’s ambassador to the United States said Thursday the two countries are in talks about extending the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as a deadline in the ceasefire approaches.

Michael Herzog said in an interview with Israeli Army Radio that he believed Israel would "reach an understanding" with the Trump administration to extend the necessary time for the Lebanese Army to truly deploy and fulfill its role under the agreement. "The incoming administration understands our needs and our position on security, and I believe we will reach an agreement on this issue."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday told visiting U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert that Israel is “committed” to the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam on Tuesday briefed President Joseph Aoun on the developments of the cabinet formation process without submitting a draft line-up, the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper reported on Wednesday.

President Joseph Aoun said Wednesday that “the first positive sign that should be shown to the world is the formation of a government as soon as possible, instead of obstructing formation over narrow sectarian and political interests.”

The Lebanese Forces accused Wednesday Hezbollah and its allies of delaying the new government's formation through attempting to "impose certain candidates for certain portfolios."

The statement said Hezbollah's obstruction policy will no longer work, adding that their attempts are rejected by all blocs that believe in a future state.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam intends to “impose a de facto cabinet line-up” that he sees as appropriate following his consultations with the political forces, sources informed on the negotiations said, in remarks to al-Akhbar newspaper.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has run into “the demands of all political forces” and his problem is not only about reaching an agreement with the Shiite Duo, al-Jadeed TV has reported.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has announced that the government formation process is moving forward with “firm steps” and that he is “tirelessly” working with President Joseph Aoun to form a new cabinet without delay.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister announced plans to visit Lebanon this week, which would mark the first such trip in years amid strained relations between the two countries.

Speaking at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan hailed Lebanon’s recent political breakthroughs as “extremely positive.”

Hezbollah’s official for the West Bekaa region, Sheikh Mohammad Hamadi, was assassinated Tuesday evening by unknown gunmen, the state-run National News Agency said.