The Israeli military has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon near the border since agreeing to the U.S.-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah in November. Israel was to withdraw its forces within two months and Lebanon's armed forces were to take control of the country's south, territory that has long been a stronghold for Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israel was ready to back Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah and offered “reciprocal measures” if Beirut followed through with plans to seize the group’s weapons.