Israeli forces (IDF) are positioned in parts of southern Lebanon since the war between Israel and Hezbollah last year, among other things to thwart Hezbollah's infrastructure. Israel has also repeatedly attacked targets in Lebanon, citing that the Islamist movement is still active and armed.
In a statement on Monday, Israel notes that "the Lebanese government has taken significant measures" to disarm Hezbollah.
"Israel is ready to support Lebanon in efforts to disarm Hezbollah and cooperate to find a safer and more stable future for the two countries," says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the statement.
Netanyahu promises measures "including a phased withdrawal of the IDF's presence in accordance with US-led security mechanisms" if Hezbollah is stripped of its weapons.
The move comes ahead of Monday's planned vote in the UN Security Council on possibly extending the peacekeeping mission Unifil, which has patrolled the border between Lebanon and Israel since 1978.
The vote was postponed as negotiations are ongoing on whether Unifil's mission should end on Sunday when its mandate expires. France proposes a one-year extension.
