The Israeli army confirmed Monday that its troops will withdraw from all Lebanese border villages, but retain five strategic positions in southern Lebanon beyond the Feb. 18 cease-fire deadline as authorized by the United States,

Israel’s military said it would maintain a presence in five locations along its border with Lebanon, despite a Tuesday deadline to withdraw troops as part of a cease-fire with Hezbollah.

Israeli forces pulled out of populated areas in southern Lebanon, but retained control over strategic border points as a deadline lapsed for both Israel and Hezbollah to leave the region.