Israel plans to release five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s president, following discussions involving US and French representatives. The discussions aim to stabilize the region through joint working groups focusing on contested border areas and the status of detainees held by Israel. Despite a ceasefire, military tensions persist in the region.
Israel has agreed to release five Lebanese citizens detained during its conflict with Lebanon, signaling a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s newly appointed president. This decision was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, stating that it is coordinated with the United States. The announcement follows a meeting in Naqoura, where representatives from Israel, the US, France, and Lebanon convened to discuss regional stability.
During this meeting, three joint working groups were established to address several issues: the five points in southern Lebanon controlled by Israel, discussions on the Blue Line, and the status of Lebanese detainees held in Israel. The understanding also includes negotiations to resolve border disputes between the two nations, according to reports from Axios.
A US official indicated that the release of the detainees was part of the negotiations, with the Blue Line serving as the UN-patrolled border since 2000. US Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus noted that the detainees consisted of both civilians and soldiers, though she deferred to the Lebanese government for further details.
Following a mediated truce by US and French officials in late November, hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel had decreased significantly; however, Israel continues to conduct air strikes in Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. Recent military actions included targeting a Hezbollah member, leading to fatalities and injuries in southern Lebanon.
The truce mandated Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River and the dismantling of military infrastructure in southern regions. Moreover, while Israel was scheduled to withdraw from Lebanon entirely by mid-February, the IDF opted to maintain presence in strategic locations deemed vital.
Israel’s decision to release five Lebanese detainees represents a significant step towards enhanced dialogue with Lebanon amidst ongoing border negotiations. Establishing joint working groups aims to address key issues including territorial disputes and detainee statuses. Despite recent hostilities, a ceasefire has been maintained, although tensions continue to manifest through military actions. This ongoing dialogue underscores Israel’s strategic interests and efforts towards stabilizing relations with Lebanon.
Original Source: news.az
