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.

France has put together a proposal for United Nations peacekeepers, including French troops, replace Israeli forces at key points to ensure those forces leave Lebanon by a February 18 deadline, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday.

Nabi Berri says Israel plans to remain in 5 points in southern Lebanon after Feb. 18 deadline - Anadolu Ajansı

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.

Lebanese officials have rejected Israel’s plan to retain control over five locations in southern Lebanon beyond a February 18 withdrawal deadline. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Thursday that US officials informed him of Israel’s intention to withdraw from occupied villages by the deadline but remain in specific positions.

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,