The Lebanese army reported the return of a soldier taken by Israel, following the release of four detainees earlier this week, as part of goodwill gestures toward Lebanon’s new president Joseph Aoun, coordinated with the U.S. and France amidst ongoing tensions with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army confirmed on Thursday the receipt of a soldier taken captive by Israel over the weekend, following the earlier release of four other detainees. This information was communicated through an announcement on X, stating the soldier was taken to a hospital for necessary treatment.
On Tuesday, Lebanon had welcomed four detainees who had been held by Israel during its conflict with Hezbollah. The presidency emphasized that a fifth detainee was expected to be freed the next day. This release was framed as a goodwill gesture towards President Joseph Aoun, who has recently taken office.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated this release was coordinated with the United States and was part of a diplomatic effort to extend goodwill to Lebanon. The decision was made following a meeting in Naqoura, attended by representatives from Israel, the U.S., France, and Lebanon.
Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. deputy special envoy for the Middle East, mentioned in a conversation with Al-Jadeed that the released detainees included both civilians and military personnel. The backdrop of this exchange is a truce established on November 27, mediated by the U.S. and France, which has largely ended over a year of conflict.
Despite the truce, Israel has continued targeted air strikes in Lebanon, claiming these actions are necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and approaching the Israeli northern border.
The article outlines the recent releases of detainees by Israel as part of a diplomatic gesture towards Lebanon’s new president. This includes the return of five individuals, confirmed by the Lebanese army, amidst ongoing tensions with Hezbollah. The situation remains sensitive, with air strikes from Israel continuing despite a truce aimed at stabilizing relations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
