Israel Frees 5 Lebanese Prisoners

JAKARTA - Israel has confirmed the release of five Lebanese prisoners detained by the Israeli military.

Israeli media Axios previously reported citing an unnamed US official, Israel and Lebanon agreed to open negotiations to resolve land border disputes between the two countries.

There are no details regarding the process of releasing Lebanese prisoners, including their identities.

Lebanese previously considered the presence of Israeli forces Defense Forces (IDF) after the limits set according to the ceasefire agreement as occupation. Lebanon once asked the United Nations Security Council for help to ensure that the rules of the ceasefire were obeyed.

Lebanese Presidential Spokesman said any Israeli forces remaining in his territory were occupied and entitled to use any means to ensure their withdrawal.

After a meeting between President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliamentary spokesman Nabih Berri, the three leaders said the Lebanese army was ready "to carry out all its duties along the border," presidential spokesman Najat Charafeddine said.

Lebanon will also seek the help of the UN Security Council to "handling Israeli violations and forcing Israel to immediately withdraw troops."

Under a ceasefire brokered by Washington in November 2023, Israeli forces were given 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon where they launched a ground attack on Iranian-backed fighters from Hezbollah since early October.