Lebanese Army Confirms Israel’s Release of Fifth Detainee

The Lebanese army received a soldier from Israel on Thursday after four others were released earlier in the week, as part of a goodwill gesture to President Joseph Aoun. This follows a U.S.-French-mediated truce aimed at ceasing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, although air strikes continue from Israel to prevent rearmament along the northern border.

The Lebanese army announced on Thursday the successful repatriation of a soldier who was detained by Israel over the previous weekend, following the release of four other detainees earlier in the week. According to the army, the soldier was received through the International Committee of the Red Cross and subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Lebanon welcomed four detainees freed by Israel who had been detained during the recent conflict with Hezbollah. The Lebanese presidency confirmed this, noting that the fifth detainee was due for release the following day as well.

The release of all five detainees by Israel was indicated as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s newly appointed President Joseph Aoun. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that this decision followed a meeting that included representatives from the Israeli army, the United States, France, and Lebanon.

U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, confirmed in an interview with Al-Jadeed that the released detainees included a combination of civilians and soldiers. This action took place after an agreement on November 27, mediated by the U.S. and France, to establish a truce that curbed more than a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

Despite the ceasefire remaining largely intact, Israel has continued to conduct air strikes on Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from rearmament and reestablishment in the northern border area.

In summary, the Lebanese army has confirmed the release of five detainees by Israel, including a soldier repatriated recently. This action was intended as a goodwill gesture to the new Lebanese president amidst a recently established truce between Israel and Hezbollah. The situation remains tense, with ongoing Israeli air strikes aimed at countering Hezbollah’s presence along the border.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com