Israel has released five Lebanese detainees to improve relations with Lebanon’s new president. This act coincided with border talks attended by U.S. and French mediators. Concurrently, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah militants, despite a ceasefire, highlighting ongoing tensions in the area.
On Tuesday, Israel executed the release of five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun. This decision was confirmed in a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, which noted that the action was taken in coordination with the United States.
According to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s office, four detainees were released on Tuesday, while the fifth was set to be released on Wednesday. This release followed a meeting in Naqoura, a border town where representatives from Israel, Lebanon, and mediators from France and the United States convened to discuss border issues.
During the meeting, it was decided to set up three joint working groups focused on stabilizing the region. These groups will address five points controlled by Israel in southern Lebanon, discuss the relevant aspects of the Blue Line, and address the situation of Lebanese detainees still held by Israel. The Blue Line is recognized as the UN-patrolled border area established in 2000.
Morgan Ortagus, the US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, stated in an interview that the United States is committed to resolving the border disputes. Ortagus outlined her aspirations for a political resolution, recognizing 13 problematic points, of which six remain unresolved. She expressed confidence that a final resolution on key issues could soon be achieved.
In addition to the detainee release, Israel reported the elimination of a senior Hezbollah militant during air strikes in southern Lebanon. Despite an ongoing ceasefire, Israel has conducted strikes, asserting that they are crucial for preventing Hezbollah from regaining military capabilities. The Israeli military announced its operation targeting individuals linked to Hezbollah, resulting in reported casualties, including two fatalities according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
Despite Israel’s initial plans to fully withdraw by February 18, a military presence continues in strategic locations in Lebanon. The ceasefire of November 27 mandates Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas south of the Litani River and aims to dismantle any military infrastructure still in place.
In summary, Israel’s release of five Lebanese detainees signals an effort to foster goodwill with Lebanon amid ongoing border discussions led by the United States. The establishment of joint working groups aims to address critical border issues and enhance stability in the region. Concurrently, Israeli military operations against Hezbollah continue, emphasizing the complex security dynamics in the area. While a ceasefire remains in place, tensions and military actions persist, complicating the path towards lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
