Israel released five Lebanese detainees to improve relations with Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, coinciding with border negotiations involving US and French mediators. The meeting resulted in plans for joint efforts to address border disputes. Separately, Israel conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah militants, reflecting continued military engagement despite a ceasefire.
On Tuesday, Israel announced the release of five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s newly elected president, Joseph Aoun. The decision was made in coordination with the United States, as stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Four prisoners were released on the same day, while the fifth was to be freed the following day, according to the president’s office.
The release came after a meeting in Naqoura, attended by representatives from Israel, Lebanon, and mediators from France and the United States. Netanyahu indicated that this meeting resulted in the establishment of three joint working groups aimed at stabilizing the region. These groups will address controlled areas in southern Lebanon, discussions on the Blue Line, and the issue of Lebanese detainees held in Israel.
The Blue Line, monitored by the United Nations, has functioned as the de facto border since 2000. In an interview with Al Jadeed, US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus reiterated the United States’ commitment to resolving border disputes. Ortagus pointed out that while Israel has withdrawn from over 99% of the territory, six of the thirteen disputed points remain problematic, but expressed confidence in achieving a final resolution.
In a concurrent development, Israel reported the elimination of a senior Hezbollah militant, responsible for drones and missiles. Despite an existing truce, Israel has continued its airstrikes in Lebanon to thwart Hezbollah’s rearmament. The Israel Air Force (IAF) claimed to have conducted targeted strikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in fatalities among militants.
The National News Agency in Lebanon reported two casualties in these strikes, with the health ministry confirming one fatality from a drone strike and a second from an airstrike targeting vehicles. Despite a ceasefire established on November 27, which ended extensive hostilities, Israel’s military presence in five key locations in Lebanon persists. Additionally, the ceasefire demands the withdrawal of Hezbollah troops north of the Litani River and the dismantling of remaining military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Israel’s recent move to release five Lebanese detainees signifies a diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering relations with Lebanon’s new president amid ongoing border discussions. While the establishment of joint working groups is intended for stabilizing regional issues, Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah continue, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the Israeli-Lebanese border situation. Despite established ceasefires, tensions remain high as diplomatic and military actions unfold.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
