Israel is expected to release five Lebanese detainees today (Thursday).
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the decision was made in light of Lebanon's efforts to locate the bodies of the leaders of the Jewish community in Lebanon - the "Kingdom Murderers", who were kidnapped and murdered in the mid-1980s by terrorist organizations.
The statement from Netanyahu's office said: "Within the framework of negotiations with Lebanon: The Prime Minister has instructed to promote the location and return of the bodies of the leaders of the Jewish community in Lebanon - the 'kingdom slain' who were kidnapped and murdered in the mid-1980s by terrorist organizations.".
The Prime Minister has been dealing with the issue for decades, since his tenure as Israel's ambassador to the UN.
In recent months, many operations have been carried out to locate them, both by Lebanon and Israel, including operations on the ground.
In light of this significant activity, it was decided to release five Lebanese citizens who were detained in IDF-controlled areas in southern Lebanon.
"After completing their interrogation, it became clear that they are citizens who are not members of a terrorist organization, did not engage in terrorism, and there is no reason to continue their detention in Israel.".
Earlier today, the Saudi Al-Hadath channel reported that the Lebanese army received prisoner Malek Kamal Ghazi from the Red Cross, and that he is on his way for medical examinations.
The transfer of Ghazi, who was arrested in October 2025 in Ein Atta, was supposed to take place yesterday but was delayed for logistical reasons.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam first officially addressed the move when he tweeted on his X account: "The safe return of every liberated Lebanese to their homeland is an important step towards addressing this issue.".
In a tweet, Salam thanked the US administration and the US ambassador to Lebanon for their efforts. "We will continue to work for the release of all our prisoners, until we reveal the fate of the missing and until Israel fully withdraws from Lebanese lands," the Lebanese prime minister added. "No matter how difficult the negotiations may seem, we will continue to mobilize all necessary efforts to protect the rights and interests of the Lebanese, especially the residents of southern Lebanon, and to ensure their safe and dignified return to their land.".
