The Lebanese army received a soldier from Israel on Thursday, following the earlier release of four detainees. Israel’s actions were described as a goodwill gesture toward President Joseph Aoun, coordinated with international representatives. Despite the ceasefire since November 27, Israel continues air strikes against Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army announced the receipt of a soldier from Israel on Thursday, who had been abducted last weekend. This followed the release of four other detainees earlier in the week facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The army confirmed that the soldier was receiving medical treatment upon his return.
On Tuesday, four Lebanese detainees were handed over to Lebanon after Israel announced their release during the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The Lebanese presidency acknowledged this transfer and indicated that the fifth detainee was expected to be released shortly thereafter.
Israel’s decision to release these five detainees was characterized as a goodwill gesture toward President Joseph Aoun. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that this action was coordinated with the United States and involved discussions held in Naqoura with representatives from Israel, the U.S., France, and Lebanon.
Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. deputy special envoy for the Middle East, clarified in an interview that the five detainees consisted of both civilians and military personnel. A ceasefire was established on November 27, mediated by the U.S. and France, effectively ending a prolonged period of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, including recent full-scale warfare.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to execute air strikes in Lebanon, asserting that these measures are necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rearming in the vicinity of the Israeli-Lebanese border.
In summary, the Lebanese army confirmed the return of a soldier from Israel, following the earlier release of four detainees. This series of releases has been framed as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s new president, conducted under international mediation. While a ceasefire appears to be in place, Israel maintains its military activities to counteract perceived threats from Hezbollah.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
