Lebanese Detainees Released by Israel Through Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed Friday that it facilitated the transfer of four Lebanese detainees from Israeli custody back to Beirut, following the return of a fifth detainee the previous day. The release of all five individuals represents a goodwill gesture by Israel, carried out as part of ongoing contacts between the two countries following joint efforts to locate the remains of historic Jewish community leaders in Lebanon, with search operations continuing.

According to the Red Cross statement, "One person was transferred to Lebanon yesterday, and four more today, while ensuring the safety and dignity of those involved." The organization emphasized that "the ICRC's role in this operation was purely humanitarian, and the organization acted as a neutral intermediary between Israel and Lebanon."

The statement added that "the International Committee of the Red Cross maintains direct and confidential dialogue with relevant authorities to address issues related to detainees, deceased or missing persons in the context of armed conflict. Many families in Lebanon are still waiting for answers regarding the fate of their loved ones, who may be detained, dead or missing. The Red Cross is in contact with the families and remains determined to clarify the fate of their loved ones. We are also prepared to act as a neutral intermediary in future humanitarian operations whenever the parties reach an agreement."

Thursday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision to release five Lebanese detainees held by Israel as a goodwill gesture conducted as part of contacts between the sides, in exchange for advancing efforts to locate the remains of historic Jewish community leaders in Lebanon.

"In recent months, extensive efforts have been made to locate them, both by Lebanon and by Israel, including field operations," the statement said. "In light of this significant activity, it was decided to release five Lebanese citizens who were detained in areas under IDF control in southern Lebanon."

The Prime Minister further explained that the detainees are not members of terrorist organizations and there is no further reason to hold them: "In recent months, extensive efforts have been made to locate them, both by Lebanon and by Israel, including field operations. In light of this significant activity, it was decided to release five Lebanese citizens who were detained in areas under IDF control in southern Lebanon. After completing their interrogation, it became clear that they are civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization, were not engaged in terrorism, and there is no reason to continue holding them in Israel."