Tel Aviv, Sep 3 (DPA) Israel could withdraw its troops from Lebanon within two weeks if the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to deploy at the present rate, the Ha'aretz daily reported, citing "security sources".
Israel has said it will leave the areas it occupies in southern Lebanon only after a 15,000-strong beefed-up UNIFIL contingent deploys in the area.
Italian troops arrived in Lebanon Saturday in the first major step towards bolstering the UN mission aimed at safeguarding the fragile truce between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.
Military sources quoted by Ha'aretz Sunday said they were satisfied with the rate of deployment of the international force and the "serious" attitude of its commanders.
The reinforced UNIFIL presence in southern Lebanon is the result of the UN Security Council resolution, which brought about a truce in the month-long war between Israel and Hezbollah fighters. The ceasefire went into effect on Aug 14.
According to the Israeli daily, the Israel army is "apparently racing to destroy" Hezbollah weapons caches in areas under its control, ahead of the impending withdrawal.