Gaza Lebanon fears that Israel is planning to occupy five strategically chosen hilltop areas in the south beyond February 18, the deadline for Israel’s full withdrawal from the country, sources in Beirut told The National.

The White House said Sunday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troops to depart southern Lebanon until Feb. 18, after Israel requested more time to withdraw

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday that the military's withdrawal would continue beyond the Sunday deadline.

Lebanon said Monday it would extend a ceasefire deal with Israel until mid-February, even though the Israeli military failed to meet a deadline to withdraw its troops and killed 22

The U.S.-monitored arrangement between Lebanon and Israel will carry on until Feb. 18, the White House stated on Sunday evening — the day the prior agreement, struck on Nov. 26, was slated to end. “The government of Lebanon,