Lebanese Detainees' Release to Red Cross Postponed to Friday

The handover of four Lebanese detainees held in Israel to the Red Cross has been postponed and is now scheduled for Friday at 11:00 AM, according to a security source speaking to Sky News Arabic. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously approved the release of five Lebanese detainees as a gesture of goodwill amid ongoing joint efforts between Lebanon and Israel to locate the remains of long-standing Jewish leadership in Lebanon.

Netanyahu announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the five individuals were arrested in areas controlled by the IDF in southern Lebanon. He explained that investigations revealed they are civilians not affiliated with any terrorist organization and pose no threat, thus negating any reason for their continued detention. 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.

The joint efforts to locate the remains have involved extensive operations by both Lebanese and Israeli forces in recent months, including ground activities. The release of the detainees is seen as an expression of appreciation for this shared endeavor.