Lebanese leaders said they were in contact with the United States and France to press Israel to fully withdraw, branding its continued presence in five places an "occupation" after a ceasefire deadline expired on Tuesday.

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

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.