Israel to release Lebanese prisoners as ‘gesture of goodwill’ with Lebanon

Israel has released five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture to Lebanon’s president, following US-mediated talks over their disputed land border. The prisoners, captured during last year’s war with Hezbollah, included civilians and soldiers, according to US officials. Negotiators agreed to create three joint working groups focused on Israeli-held positions in southern Lebanon, the Blue Line and remaining detainees. The agreement seeks to stabilize the ceasefire, though Israeli troops remain at five contested locations and tensions continue along the border.