Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israeli forces could begin withdrawing from territory they hold in southern Lebanon after the Lebanese Cabinet’s “momentous decision” earlier this month to work toward the disarmament of the militant group Hezbollah by the end of 2025.

Israel on Monday signalled it would scale back its military presence in southern Lebanon if the Lebanese armed forces took action to disarm Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah, while the Iran-backed group reiterated its refusal to lay down its weapons.

U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack said Tuesday that Israel will respond "step-by-step" to Lebanon's anticipated disarmament plan to be presented to Hezbollah.