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.

Israel has requested to keep its troops in five posts in southern Lebanon until February 28, a Lebanese official and foreign diplomat told Reuters on Wednesday.

Washington official confirms Jerusalem asked for extension but says administration planning on keeping to February 18 date for IDF exit

This comes after American mediators were reportedly pleased with the progress of the Lebanese armed forces in taking over positions from the IDF, but Israel is aiming to remain in 5 posts

Lebanon has rejected a request from Israel for Israeli troops to stay in the Arab country beyond a withdrawal deadline set as part of a ceasefire agreement, according to a Lebanese media outlet.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called Wednesday on Israel to withdraw from south Lebanon according to the set deadline, his office said in a statement. Aoun "has repeatedly stressed on Lebanon's insistence on the complete withdrawal of the Israeli enemy within the deadline set for February 18,