Israeli forces pulled out of populated areas in southern Lebanon, but retained control over strategic border points as a deadline lapsed for both Israel and Hezbollah to leave the region.

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, however, said this week that it would keep its troops in five locations near the border, after having accused the Lebanese army of not deploying the required troops quickly enough. Israel sees Lebanon unable to guarantee security in the border region where it fears that the Lebanese Hezbollah militia could resume its attacks on Israeli residents.

Israel's public broadcaster said on Wednesday the U.S. had authorised a "long term" Israeli troop presence in southern Lebanon, after sources told Reuters Israel had sought an extension to a Feb. 18 deadline to withdraw its forces.

The Israeli military said it would remain in what it called “five strategic points” in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials have called for Israel’s full withdrawal.

Israeli forces will remain in five locations in southern Lebanon beyond Tuesday’s withdrawal deadline, an Israeli official said. Lebanon’s government opposes any delay in the pullout under the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.