Netanyahu Reveals Lebanon Cooperation on Jewish Remains, Releases Detainees

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that Israel and Lebanon cooperated in the search for the remains of Lebanese Jewish community leaders who were abducted and murdered by terrorist organizations in the mid-1980s. Netanyahu stated that he has been involved in this issue for decades, dating back to his tenure as Israel's ambassador to the UN.

According to an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office, extensive efforts were made in recent months by both Lebanon and Israel to locate the remains, including operations on the ground. In light of this significant cooperation, Netanyahu ordered the release of five Lebanese civilians who were detained in areas controlled by the IDF in southern Lebanon.

Following investigations, it was determined that these individuals were civilians not affiliated with any terrorist organization and posed no security threat. Consequently, their continued detention in Israel was deemed unnecessary. The release is seen as a gesture following the collaborative efforts in locating the Jewish leaders' remains.