The Israeli army has received U.S. approval to establish observation points in southern Lebanon to monitor Hezbollah’s activities, Israeli media reported on Thursday. 

As part of the plan, hundreds of soldiers will be deployed across five temporary sites in the area.

Despite the approval for the observation posts, the U.S. has rejected Israel’s request to delay its withdrawal from southern Lebanon, according to the reports.

Later, Ron Dermer, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister and one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s closest confidants, confirmed the reports about Israel's plans to maintain control over five strategic high points inside Lebanon even after the ceasefire deadline next Tuesday.   

The Israeli military will reposition its forces but keep these five sites in place "until Lebanon implements its treaty commitments," Dermer told Bloomberg. 

Dermer further explained that Lebanon's obligations do not require only the expulsion of Hezbollah from the border area but rather the disarmament of the group.