Israel to Release Captive to Lebanon as Goodwill Gesture Amid Talks

Sources told Saudi network Al-Hadath that Israel would hand over a captive, Malek Kamal Ghazi, to Lebanon on Thursday via the Naqoura crossing as a "goodwill gesture." Reports from Lebanon indicate he has already been released, transferred to the Lebanese army, and is undergoing medical checks.

A Lebanese political source told MTV that the release of one or more captives provides "an encouragement for direct negotiations." The source noted that Ghazi's release was initially expected on Wednesday but was postponed for logistical reasons.

An American official commented on the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, telling the Lebanese newspaper Al-Nidaa Al-Watan that there were no delays regarding the meetings in Rome. The official attributed numerous "fake news" reports to malicious actors attempting to create a negative atmosphere, urging against believing such misinformation. The U.S. official emphasized that both Lebanon and Israel are engaged in constructive dialogue and anticipate the next round of talks in Rome later this month as planned.

Meanwhile, Lebanese reports claim Israel conducted intense overnight strikes in the Al-Tahir mountain range using bunker-buster munitions, with explosions heard across southern Lebanon. Efforts to persuade Hezbollah to withdraw from Al-Tahir and cede control to the Lebanese army have thus far been unsuccessful, according to sources speaking to Al-Nidaa Al-Watan. This initiative, led by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, has met Hezbollah's non-cooperation. There are concerns of an Israeli escalation that could extend beyond Al-Tahir to the villages of Rihan and Sijoud, approximately 83 kilometers from Beirut.

These sources also stated that Israel is unwilling to make further concessions unless Lebanon takes practical steps toward disarming Hezbollah. The impasse on the ground is reportedly impacting the negotiation track, delaying the finalization of the next round of talks in Rome and creating difficulties concerning "pilot areas" and the supervisory committee.