Israel is set to release five Lebanese detainees as a diplomatic gesture, confirmed by the PMO. A meeting involving Israel, the U.S., France, and Lebanon aims to stabilize the region through joint working groups. The release is coordinated with U.S. efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces in Hezbollah-dominated areas.
Israel has announced the decision to release five Lebanese detainees captured during anti-Hezbollah operations in Southern Lebanon. This move was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Jerusalem, emphasizing the political significance of the gesture amidst U.S. involvement. The identities of the detainees were not disclosed.
A quadrilateral meeting in Naqoura included representatives from Israel, the United States, France, and Lebanon. The PMO indicated that this collaboration would set up three working groups targeting regional stabilization. The groups will focus on Israel’s control points in Southern Lebanon, the Blue Line discussions, and the status of Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
The release is seen as a diplomatic gesture toward Lebanon’s new president, coordinated with U.S. involvement. Al-Jazeera reported that the International Committee of the Red Cross is facilitating the transfer of the detainees. U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus confirmed the initiation of a civilian working group to improve diplomatic relations between Israel and Lebanon.
Ortagus further mentioned efforts to establish the Lebanese Armed Forces as the primary authority in the Hezbollah-influenced Southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, reports indicated that a Lebanese soldier was recently injured by Israeli fire while approaching the border, although the Israeli military maintained that their actions adhered to standard operating procedures.
The current situation in Lebanon is tense following the cessation of a truce on February 18, 2023, that concluded a prolonged conflict initiated by Hezbollah’s attacks on October 8, 2023. The IDF plans to maintain its presence at five outposts in Southern Lebanon beyond the truce timeline, with the decision being made alongside the U.S. administration’s input.
The key points from the article reveal Israel’s intention to release five Lebanese detainees as a diplomatic gesture towards Lebanon amidst ongoing regional tensions. Coordination with the U.S. is crucial for achieving a stable resolution, involving significant discussions on border disputes and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in controlling Hezbollah activity. This context illustrates the complex relations and security challenges in Southern Lebanon.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
