Israel is seeking the backing of the Trump administration to delay its military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement stipulating all Israeli troops should leave by Sunday.

The request for a 30-day extension follows claims that Israel would like to keep up to five outposts in southern Lebanon.

Under the agreed ceasefire, which brought an end to the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israeli forces are supposed to have completed their withdrawal within 60 days, or by a 26 January deadline.

Whether the Trump administration agrees to the request will be a key test of the president’s attitude towards Israel in his second term.