The Israeli military is keeping troops at five southern Lebanese posts despite a Tuesday withdrawal deadline and Hezbollah warnings that Israel is violating a ceasefire agreement.

Israel will keep troops in several posts in southern Lebanon past a February 18 deadline for them to withdraw, a military spokesperson said on Monday, as Israeli leaders sought to reassure northern residents that they can return home safely.

After Israel declared that it would maintain its military in five locations in southern Lebanon for security reasons, the new Lebanese government fears foreign occupation.Lebanon' s political leadership remains steadfast in their viewpoint that Israel has to fulfil all parts of the latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.