Hugo Bachega
Middle East correspondent

As the region remains focused on the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, some elements of the one in Lebanon are uncertain, as Israel has requested an extension of the deadline for the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, due to expire next Tuesday.

Israel now wants its military to stay in five positions in the country for another ten days, a Western diplomatic source tells the BBC. Lebanon has rejected the request.

The deal that ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah was brokered by the US and France and came into force in November. It requires the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from there and the deployment of Lebanese soldiers to the area, where for decades Hezbollah has been the dominant force.

It has already been extended once – the initial deadline was 26 January – after Israel said Lebanon had not fully implemented the truce. Lebanon accused Israel of delaying its withdrawal.

One of the priorities of the new Lebanese government is to restore the country’s territorial sovereignty, and the authorities strongly reject another delay. This is a country with memories of past foreign occupations, and the presence of Israeli troops here is seen as unacceptable, and a reason for concern.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to target Hezbollah, and has vowed to carry out more attacks on the Iranian-backed group to stop it from rearming.