The Lebanese Army said it was deploying forces near the Israeli border as a U.S.-backed truce between Israel and Hezbollah militants began to take effect.

In a newspaper column, the mayor of Kiryat Shmona, close to the border, said he doubted the ceasefire would be enforced, demanding that Israel creates a buffer zone in south Lebanon. In a poll commissioned by the Israeli station Channel 12 News those questioned were roughly split between supporters and opponents of the ceasefire.

Israel has expressed reservations about the deal, insisting on guarantees that Hezbollah’s weapons be removed from the border area. Israeli officials also demand the right to conduct strikes in Lebanon if violations are suspected,