Israel is seeking another extension of the deadline for the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, a Western diplomatic source says, a request that is likely to raise new concerns in a country with a history of Israeli occupation.

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.

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,