Israel to release five Lebanese prisoners in US-brokered gesture

Israel is expected to release five prisoners of war to Lebanon on Thursday, as part of a goodwill gesture coordinated with the United States and amid ongoing negotiations between the two countries, Channel 12 News reported. According to the report, the issue of the detainees was formally included in the seventh round of talks between Israel and Lebanon, held in Rome in August under US mediation. During the discussions, the sides exchanged preliminary lists of detainees and missing persons. According to Lebanese sources, the government in Beirut demanded that the first stage of the process include the release of a group of civilian detainees. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on August 7 that "positive progress" had been made on the issue, although no final agreement had been announced at the time. Related articles: Terrorist released in hostage deal caught carrying knife These are the terrorists that Hamas is demanding Israel release Extended ceasefire for Saudi normalization deal Prisoner exchanges This is not the first time Israel has taken such a step: In March 2025, Israel released five Lebanese citizens who had been held in Israel, in a move described by the Prime Minister's Office as a "gesture to the Lebanese President." The move was coordinated with the United States and in parallel to progress in talks on border issues. The current move is also intended to advance negotiations between the sides and continue efforts to stabilize relations along the northern border.