Netanyahu Clarifies Lebanese Detainees Not Involved in Terrorism

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that five Lebanese civilians released by Israel were not involved in terrorism. The individuals were detained in areas controlled by the IDF in southern Lebanon. Following an investigation, it was determined they were not members of any terrorist organization and had not engaged in terror activities.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, "after completing their investigation, there is no reason for their continued detention in Israel." Their release was authorized after the investigation concluded without finding any involvement in terror operations.

The Prime Minister's Office also addressed ongoing negotiations with Lebanon, stating that Netanyahu has directed efforts to locate and return the bodies of Jewish community leaders who were abducted and murdered in the 1980s. Netanyahu has reportedly been involved in this issue for decades, dating back to his tenure as Israel's ambassador to the UN.

"In recent months, many actions have been taken to locate them, both by Lebanon and by Israel, including field operations," the Prime Minister's Office stated. The return of the bodies is one of the issues being advanced in the talks with Lebanon, with Israel continuing to operate on the ground and through other channels to achieve progress on the matter.