A fragile calm settled over southern Lebanon on Monday, amid reports of possible Israeli troop redeployments and renewed diplomatic efforts ahead of a new round of U.S.-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel expected in Washington later this week.

Despite the relative lull, Israeli military activity continued in parts of southern Lebanon. Israeli drones flew at low altitude over Sidon and surrounding eastern areas, while Lebanese media reported that Israeli aircraft dropped five stun grenades near a Lebanese Army position in Kfartebnit, approximately 300 meters from Israeli troops stationed in the area.

Preliminary reports also indicated that Israeli forces had withdrawn from the town of Arnoun and the vicinity of the Ali al-Taher hilltop, repositioning toward olive groves near the Marqos station and the southern town of Qantara.

Moreover, Israeli forces opened machine-gun fire toward the Wadi area on the outskirts of Shebaa and launched a stun grenade near the town of Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army reopened the Mansouri road, allowing residents to return to their homes.

The apparent stabilization of the security situation prompted a new wave of returns by displaced residents. Following reports that the ceasefire had been reaffirmed, severe traffic congestion was recorded on the Awali highway leading south as families continued returning from areas north of the Litani River to their homes in southern Lebanon.

Large numbers of vehicles carrying personal belongings were seen heading toward the coastal city of Tyre and surrounding villages through the Qasmiyeh coastal bridge and Burj Rahhal crossings. Many returnees displayed Lebanese flags, underscoring their determination to remain in their towns and villages despite months of conflict and displacement.

Meanwhile, attention shifted to upcoming negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, with reports suggesting that Israel may be preparing confidence-building measures ahead of the talks.

CNN, citing an Israeli source, reported that Israel is considering announcing symbolic withdrawals from areas it currently occupies in southern Lebanon. According to the report, the move would involve the redeployment of some forces from positions along the Blue Line and would form part of discussions scheduled to take place in Washington this week.

Israeli media offered further indications that adjustments to Israel's military posture in southern Lebanon may be under consideration.

According to Haaretz, an Israeli source said the military could be required to carry out a partial withdrawal from sections of the Blue Line. The source added that the Lebanese Army would operate in areas vacated by Israeli forces under U.S. supervision.

The same source said Lebanese and Israeli negotiating teams would determine during their upcoming meetings which "pilot zones" would be transferred to the Lebanese Army's control.

Israel's public broadcaster reported that the Israeli military is expected to reduce its troop presence in southern Lebanon in the coming days after completing most of its offensive missions. The reported drawdown would coincide with the Washington meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese negotiating delegations.

Israeli media also quoted an official as saying that Washington has shown understanding toward Israel's position regarding security arrangements in Lebanon.

In another development, Israel's Channel 12 reported that the Israeli military is examining the possibility of allowing the Lebanese Army to take control of a Hezbollah tunnel complex as part of broader discussions on future security arrangements in southern Lebanon.

However, Israeli officials continued to signal that any military adjustments would not amount to a full withdrawal. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel would maintain its presence in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains armed, highlighting the continuing differences over the conditions for a lasting settlement along the border.