The United States has reportedly told Lebanese officials that Israel’s military intends to remain in five strategic points inside Lebanon, but will withdraw from towns it still occupies.

Israeli forces had been due to pull out next week but the source told the BBC Israel wanted its military to stay in five positions there for another 10 days, till 28 February. The ceasefire deal that ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah was brokered by the US and France and came into force on 27 November.

Lebanon wants a "full, total and unconditional withdrawal" of Israeli forces, Youssef Rajji told The National in his first trip abroad since he was nominated as foreign minister last week. Speaking on the margin of a conference in Paris to support Syria's political transition,