The Israeli military has significantly reduced the number of combat troops deployed in its security zone in southern Lebanon in recent days, cutting the number of brigades in the area from eight to six, Israel’s Army Radio reported.

The reduction includes the departure of four brigades from Lebanon and the deployment of two regular brigades in their place, according to the report.

The four brigades that have left are the Commando Brigade, which operated around Ali Taher Ridge; the Golani Brigade, which fought in the area of Beaufort Castle; and two reserve formations — the 55th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade and the 4th Reserve Armored Brigade, also known as the Kiryati Brigade.

The army has instead deployed the 188th Armored Brigade and the Bislamach Training Brigade, bringing the total number of combat brigades operating in the security zone down from eight to six, Army Radio said.

The move also involves the release of a large number of reservists after months of fighting in Lebanon.

A military source familiar with the matter told Army Radio that the reduction was intended primarily to ease pressure on military personnel, particularly reservists who have spent long periods serving in Lebanon.

The source said the decision followed months of fighting and was made possible by the current operational conditions.

“All details have been approved by the security authorities,” the source said, according to Army Radio.

The reported reduction comes as Israeli forces continue to operate inside a security zone along the Lebanese side of the border. Israel has maintained troops there despite a ceasefire and a broader framework agreement under which Lebanon is expected to restore state authority in the south and Israel is to gradually withdraw its forces.

Israeli forces have continued to conduct operations in the area, including against what the military describes as Hezbollah infrastructure. In September, the Israeli army said it had established operational control over the area around Ali Taher Ridge and cleared underground Hezbollah facilities there.