Israel will carry out a phased reduction of its military presence in Lebanon as a “reciprocal measure” if Beirut takes concrete steps toward disarming Hezbollah, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

The statement said that if the Lebanese Armed Forces “take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of its army presence in coordination with the US-led security mechanism.”

“Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations,” the statement added.

The Prime Minister’s Office also praised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for their recent decision to pursue Hezbollah’s disarmament by the end of the year. The statement described the move as “a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore the authority of its state institutions, military, and governance—free from the influence of non-state actors.”

The announcement follows meetings in Jerusalem between top US envoy Thomas Barrack, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with other senior Israeli officials to discuss developments in Syria and Lebanon.