Israel plans to hand over five Lebanese detainees to Lebanon on Thursday as part of ongoing negotiations between Jerusalem and Beirut mediated by the United States, The Times of Israel reported.
The move is being described by Israel as a “gesture of goodwill” amid talks aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, according to the newspaper.
The next round of Israeli-Lebanese negotiations is scheduled to take place in Rome at the end of September.
Israel and Lebanon are also discussing the identification and return of the remains of Lebanese and Israeli nationals as part of arrangements involving Lebanese detainees, The Times of Israel reported.
Saudi media said one of the Lebanese nationals Israel plans to return is Malek Kamal Razi. The handover is expected to take place at the Naqoura crossing on the Israel-Lebanon border.
The move comes two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Both U.S. diplomats are involved in direct Israeli-Lebanese negotiations being conducted with Washington's mediation.
By Tamilla Hasanova
