Netanyahu Reveals Deal with Lebanon: Jewish Leaders' Remains for Detainees

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will release five Lebanese detainees as a gesture of goodwill, following joint efforts with Lebanon to locate the remains of prominent members of Lebanon's historic Jewish community. These individuals, referred to as "royal casualties," were abducted and murdered in the mid-1980s by terror organizations.

Netanyahu stated that extensive operations have been conducted by both Lebanon and Israel in recent months, including field operations, to find the remains. In light of this significant activity, the decision was made to release the five Lebanese civilians who were detained in areas controlled by the IDF in southern Lebanon.

He further explained that the detainees are not members of any terror organization and there is no longer a reason to hold them. Investigations revealed they are civilians who did not engage in terrorism. The Prime Minister's Office added that Netanyahu has been deeply involved in this issue since his tenure as Israel's ambassador to the UN, and the release is an expression of appreciation for the joint effort with Lebanon.

The efforts to locate the remains of the Jewish leadership in Lebanon are ongoing.