An Israeli official has confirmed to The Associated Press that the Israeli military will continue to occupy five strategic points on Lebanese soil even after forces withdraw as part of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, Al Jazeera reports.

Another unnamed Israeli political official quoted by Israeli media also confirmed the news, adding that “Israel will continue to vigorously enforce the ceasefire in Lebanon”.

The source said the assassination earlier today of a Hamas official in Lebanon was a demonstration of that intent. No details are as yet confirmed about where the sites inside Lebanon will be located.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the presence of Israeli forces along the border line with Lebanon will be three times larger than it was before the conflict.