Israel plans to reduce forces in southern Lebanon under US pressure ahead of Lebanese army deployment

The Israeli army is expected to reduce the size of its ground forces operating in southern Lebanon, according to a report published on Sunday by Israeli public broadcaster KAN.

The broadcaster said the gradual reduction is due to the fact that “most offensive missions have been completed and there is no longer a need for all the soldiers currently deployed in the security zone”.

KAN added that another reason is an expected meeting this week between Israeli and Lebanese negotiating teams, during which pilot areas in southern Lebanon will be defined.

According to the report, these areas will be free of Hezbollah, with the Lebanese army taking responsibility for them to test its ability to prevent the group from re-establishing control.

The US administration wants Israeli forces to return to positions along the Yellow Line, located about eight kilometres from the border. Israel says the line is intended to protect northern towns from anti-tank missile attacks.

Over the past two months, Israel has expanded its military deployment in southern Lebanon beyond the Yellow Line.

Quoting an Israeli official familiar with the matter, KAN said the Israeli army would not withdraw from the Yellow Line itself, but could pull back from areas occupied more recently as part of the negotiations.