Israel will release five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture, coordinating with the United States amid discussions to stabilize relations under Lebanon’s new president. Negotiations focus on the border disputes and the Blue Line, despite ongoing tensions illustrated by Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah.
On Tuesday, Israel announced its decision to release five Lebanese citizens who were detained during its conflict with Lebanon. This action is framed as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s newly inaugurated president and coordinated with the United States, according to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The decision follows a meeting in Naqoura, a Lebanese border town, involving representatives from Israel, the United States, France, and Lebanon. Netanyahu’s office indicated that discussions during this meeting led to the formation of three joint working groups intended to stabilize the region, focusing on critical issues such as territories controlled by Israel in southern Lebanon and the contentious Blue Line.
Reports suggest that the understanding for the release of the detainees was part of ongoing negotiations to resolve disputes over the land border between Israel and Lebanon. The Blue Line, established in 2000, is the UN-patrolled demarcation line between the two nations.
US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, confirmed that the five detainees include a combination of soldiers and civilians. “I’ll let the government of Lebanon make the announcement of who is in the mix. But there are some soldiers and civilians in the mix of five,” she stated in an interview.
Despite a ceasefire established on 27 November that significantly reduced hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, tensions remain. Israel has continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon to deter Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An airstrike on Saturday reportedly targeted a Hezbollah member, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
While the ceasefire requires Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure, Israel has opted to maintain its military presence in strategic locations rather than complete withdrawal by the previously scheduled date.
Israel’s decision to release five Lebanese detainees marks a significant gesture in the ongoing efforts to stabilize relations with Lebanon under its new leadership. Coordinated efforts involving the United States and France have led to collaborative discussions aimed at addressing longstanding disputes between the two nations. Although a ceasefire has been achieved, the situation remains fraught with tension as Israel continues to conduct airstrikes against Hezbollah, reflecting the complexities of the region’s security dynamics.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
