Israel confirms release of 5 Lebanese detainees, media reports

Lebanese soldiers stand guard as people, who want to return to their homes, gather near the Lebanese army checkpoint after the ceasefire agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in Nabatieh, Lebanon on February 02, 2025 [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Israel confirmed the release of five Lebanese detainees held by the Israeli occupation military, Israeli media reported today citing the Prime Minister’s Office, Reuters reported.

Earlier today, Axios reported citing an unnamed US official that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to open negotiations to resolve disputes over the land border between the countries.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since 27 November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict last September when Israel intensified its bombing campaign.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 1,100 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including the killing of at least 85 people and injuries to more than 280 others.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by 26 January, but the deadline was extended to 18 February after Israel refused to comply. It still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

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