Lebanese Army Announces Release of Fifth Detainee from Israel

The Lebanese army announced the return of a soldier kidnapped by Israel, marking the fifth detainee released. This comes after four others were returned earlier this week as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun. The releases follow a US-French mediated truce aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

On Thursday, the Lebanese army confirmed the reception of a soldier abducted by Israel last weekend, marking the release of a fifth detainee. The soldier was delivered through the International Committee of the Red Cross and is currently hospitalized for treatment.

Earlier this week, Lebanon received four detainees released by Israel, who had been detained during the conflict involving Hezbollah. The Lebanese presidency stated that these prisoners were returned as part of an agreement, indicating that a fifth individual was scheduled for release soon after.

Israel previously announced the release of these detainees as a goodwill gesture toward Lebanon’s new President Joseph Aoun. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, this decision emerged from a collaborative meeting involving representatives from Israel, the United States, France, and Lebanon, held in Naqoura.

United States Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, noted that the released individuals include both civilians and soldiers. This release follows a US-French mediated truce established on November 27, which has significantly reduced hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel that persisted for over a year.

Despite the ongoing ceasefire, Israel has conducted intermittent air strikes in Lebanon, citing concerns about Hezbollah’s rearmament and presence near its northern border.

The recent release of five Lebanese detainees from Israel, including a soldier taken during hostilities, reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts amid a fragile truce. With the acknowledgment from both Lebanese and Israeli authorities, the situation continues to evolve as they navigate peace efforts amidst regional tensions.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com