Israel and Lebanon are expected to reach a preliminary agreement under which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanese territory in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to a report by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN News on Friday.

The report said the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had prepared a plan aimed at dismantling the Iran-backed militia, as Washington continues to mediate negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that Israel was preparing for the possibility it may soon need to resume military operations to achieve the objectives of its broader campaign against Iran and its regional allies.

“Our mission is not over,” Katz said during a memorial ceremony for soldiers. “We must complete the goals of the campaign in a way that ensures Iran will not again become a threat to the existence of Israel, to U.S. forces, for generations to come.”

“We are prepared for the possibility that we will soon be required to act again to ensure these goals are achieved,” he added.

His remarks came a day after U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance said progress was being made in talks with Iran, while stressing that any future agreement must prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

Katz also addressed the growing threat posed by Hezbollah drones after an explosive drone launched from Lebanon struck northern Israel earlier Thursday, wounding three people.

“We are well aware of the drone threat,” he said. “Alongside solutions already deployed in the field, there are several additional technological and operational solutions, and the entire defense establishment is mobilized on the issue.”

“Hezbollah will pay the full price,” he added.

Moreover, Israeli Army Radio quoted Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, as saying that his country would not withdraw from Lebanon until it is convinced the Lebanese State can secure the border area.

“I do not trust the UNIFIL forces, and we will not withdraw from Lebanon until we see that the Lebanese government is capable of maintaining security along the border area,” Danon said, referring to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.