Israel's defense establishment is considering a plan to significantly reduce the number of Israeli troops deployed in southern Lebanon while establishing a new security line closer to the border, Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported, citing security sources.

Under the proposal, Israeli forces would withdraw from some of their current forward positions and redeploy along a new line known as the "Gray Line." Troops would be stationed at military outposts inside Lebanese territory, roughly two to four kilometers from the Israeli border, with some sources putting the planned depth at about three to four kilometers.

The positions would be intended to provide a base for Israeli forces to conduct operations inside Lebanon when necessary, while maintaining the ability to protect communities in northern Israel and respond to potential threats.

The discussions follow the completion of the destruction of tunnels on the Ali al-Taher Ridge, according to Kan. Israeli defense officials have since been examining a new deployment structure that would allow the military to maintain operational capabilities along the northern border with a substantially smaller force.

As part of the emerging plan, the Israel Defense Forces would pull back from some positions it currently holds, including in certain areas north of the Litani River, such as the Beaufort area, and consolidate its forces along the proposed Gray Line.

The proposed arrangement would therefore represent a reorganization of Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon rather than a full withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The aim, according to security officials cited by Kan, would be to maintain a buffer capable of protecting Israeli border communities while reducing the number of troops exposed in forward positions.

The plan has not been finalized and has not yet been submitted to Israel's political leadership for approval, the broadcaster reported. Discussions remain underway within the security establishment as officials assess the military, diplomatic and political implications of a new deployment.

Among the issues still unresolved is whether areas vacated by Israeli forces would be transferred to the responsibility of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Officials are also considering how any new arrangement could affect ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.