Israel to Release Five Lebanese Detainees Amid Ongoing Border Talks

Israel has agreed to release five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s new president. This decision follows a strategic meeting involving U.S., French, and Lebanese representatives aimed at stabilizing the region. The ongoing negotiations seek to resolve border disputes while tensions persist in the area, particularly with Hezbollah.

On Tuesday, Israel announced its decision to release five Lebanese detainees who were captured during its conflict with Lebanon, as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s newly elected president. According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, this decision was made in coordination with the United States following a meeting held in Naqoura with representatives from Israel, Lebanon, France, and the U.S.

The meeting resulted in an agreement to create three joint working groups aimed at stabilizing the region. These groups will concentrate on five key points controlled by Israel in southern Lebanon, the discussions regarding the Blue Line, disputed territories, and the Lebanese detainees held by Israel.

In a report from Axios, it was indicated that Israel’s decision to release these detainees was part of the broader negotiations aimed at resolving border disputes with Lebanon. The detainees include both civilians and soldiers, as confirmed by U.S. deputy special envoy Morgan Ortagus during an interview with Lebanese news channel Al Jadeed.

The context for this development can be traced back to a U.S.-French mediated truce established on November 27, which effectively ended over a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued its airstrike operations in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. Recent military actions reportedly included targeting a Hezbollah member, resulting in casualties reported by Lebanese media.

While the truce stipulated that Hezbollah withdraw to northern regions of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructures, Israel has maintained strategic control over several locations, delaying its total withdrawal from Lebanese territory after initially missing a January deadline.

In summary, Israel’s decision to release five Lebanese detainees is a significant diplomatic gesture that aligns with ongoing discussions for regional stability. This move, coordinated with the United States and following a truce agreement, reflects both nations’ commitment to resolving longstanding border disputes with Lebanon, despite continuing military tensions. The establishment of joint working groups signifies a proactive approach to mitigating conflict in the area.

Original Source: www.newarab.com