Israel to Release Five Lebanese Detainees as Goodwill Gesture

Lebanese media outlets reported on Thursday that Israel is expected to release five Lebanese detainees and hand them over to Lebanon via the Rosh HaNikra crossing. The move is being described as a "goodwill gesture." One of the individuals slated for release has been identified as Malek Kamal Ghazi, a 20-year-old Lebanese national.

According to reports, Ghazi "disappeared" in October 2025 in the Rashaya area of eastern Lebanon while reportedly out for exercise. Lebanese accounts state he was subsequently captured by Israeli security forces and taken into custody and interrogation in Israel. His name has resurfaced now with the news of his impending release.

Details regarding the other four detainees and the specific circumstances or agreement leading to this release have not yet been disclosed. This is not the first time Israel has transferred detainees to Lebanon via Rosh HaNikra. In March 2025, Israel released five Lebanese detainees, including four civilians and one Lebanese army soldier, through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The issue of Lebanese individuals held in Israel has become a significant point of discussion for Beirut in its dealings with Israel. Lebanon periodically publishes lists of detainees and missing persons, some cases related to recent Israeli operations in Lebanon and others dating back decades.

This reported release comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire declared in June, military activity persists, particularly around the Al-Tahir mountain range in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah continues its operations. Israel is exerting military pressure and warning against Hezbollah's entrenchment in areas that could endanger Israeli forces. Concurrently, Lebanon is experiencing internal debate regarding a settlement aimed at a gradual Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Hezbollah's disarmament and the expansion of the Lebanese army's control.