A political source reported today (Wednesday), that Israel released five Lebanese detainees, including Hezbollah members, as a gesture to the new President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, and as a preliminary step towards renewing border discussions.
Strengthening the President Against Hezbollah
“The goal is to strengthen the president against Hezbollah and Amal, who oppose him, in the hope of achieving normalization with Lebanon,” the source explained. “We released five detainees so he can tell his public that ‘without firing a single bullet, I brought back five detainees,’ in contrast to the opposition that has devastated Lebanon.” Both Hezbollah and Amal are primarily Shiite militias and political parties in the Lebanese parliament.
The move comes following a historic quadrilateral meeting held yesterday in Naqoura, near the northern border, involving representatives from the IDF, the U.S., France, and Lebanon. The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish three working groups to address regional stabilization, including discussions on the five strategic points within southern Lebanon controlled by the IDF, the Blue Line, which is the demarcation line dividing Lebanon from Israel, and the issue of Lebanese detainees. “The next talks will be held with an Israeli diplomatic representative, and this is a first step towards Lebanese recognition of Israel,” the source added.
Israel Aims for Normalization with Lebanon
According to the political source, progress in negotiations is part of a broader plan to create regional stability. “The Prime Minister’s policy has already changed the Middle East, and we want to continue the momentum and achieve normalization with Lebanon,” he said. “We and the Americans believe this is possible following the changes that have occurred in Lebanon.”
However, there are those in northern Israel who fear the consequences. David Azoulay, the Head of the Metula Local Council, warned: “The residents of the North are not prepared to be hostages to loose agreements or security compromises.” Moshe Davidovich, chairman of the Front Line Forum, also expressed skepticism: “Resolution 1701 did not prevent the situation we have reached. The IDF must maintain its positions to ensure security.”
