Israel reduces northern troop deployment

Israel's military on Monday announced a reduction of forces on its northern border with Syria and Lebanon, after deploying reinforcements in recent weeks in response to a spike in tensions.

"Troop reinforcements in the area are being reduced," an army statement said. 

The Jewish state remains technically at war with its northern neighbours Lebanon and Syria and maintains a military presence along the frontier.

After an air strike blamed on Israel killed a Hezbollah fighter in Syria last month, there were widespread reports that the Lebanese group was planning to retaliate. 

In response, Israel sent more troops and military equipment north. 

Over the past three weeks, Israel has twice struck Syrian military targets in response to border unrest. 

Israel also said that it had repelled an attempt by Hezbollah fighters to penetrate the border, but the Shiite group denied any involvement in the incident.