US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: The US has welcomed Israel’s release of Lebanese prisoners, describing the move as a positive development that could help create momentum for the next phase of Lebanon-Israel negotiations. The US Embassy in Beirut urged both sides to build on the latest confidence-building measure ahead of their next round of talks.
Israel released four more detainees to Lebanon on Friday through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a day after releasing the first prisoner under a US-brokered framework. The latest handover brings the total number of people released under the arrangement to five.
US Welcomes Latest Prisoner Releases
The US Embassy in Beirut said Israel’s decision to release the prisoners was a “positive step” under the Lebanon-Israel trilateral framework. Washington also called on both sides to maintain the momentum as preparations continue for another round of negotiations.
The releases are being viewed as a confidence-building measure in a broader diplomatic process aimed at reducing tensions and addressing outstanding issues between Lebanon and Israel.
Five Detainees Released Under The Deal
Israel released the first Lebanese prisoner, identified as Malek Ghazi, on Thursday. Four additional detainees were handed over through the ICRC on Friday and subsequently transferred to Lebanese authorities. According to Lebanese officials cited by AP, those released included Lebanese citizens as well as two Syrians who had been captured in Lebanon.
The arrangement also involves Lebanon helping search for the remains of Jewish Lebanese citizens who disappeared during the country’s civil war decades ago. The prisoner releases are part of a wider US-mediated effort to implement the framework agreed between Lebanon and Israel.
What Is The Lebanon-Israel Trilateral Framework?
The US-brokered framework seeks to address several major security and political issues between the two countries. One of its provisions calls for efforts to locate and return remains and secure the release of detainees.
Another major objective is the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the transfer of security responsibilities to the Lebanese army. However, implementation has faced significant obstacles, particularly over the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Hezbollah Disarmament Remains Key Challenge
A major sticking point is Hezbollah, which was not a party to the trilateral agreement. Israel has insisted that the Iran-backed group must surrender its weapons and leave the security zone before a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon can take place.
The situation remains complicated as tensions and military activity continue in parts of southern Lebanon. Reuters reported Friday that Israel said it had cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge and claimed operational control of the area.
This continuing security dispute could make it difficult for the prisoner releases alone to translate into a broader breakthrough.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Next Talks Could Test Diplomatic Momentum
The US is now hoping the latest releases can provide a foundation for further negotiations. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has also called for the remaining provisions of the framework to be implemented, including efforts to secure the release of other detainees and restore Lebanese sovereignty.
The next round of talks will therefore be closely watched for signs that the two sides can move beyond confidence-building measures and address the more difficult questions of Israeli withdrawal, Hezbollah’s weapons and long-term security arrangements.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Peace Deal Still Faces Major Hurdles
The prisoner releases mark a notable diplomatic development, but they do not by themselves signal that a comprehensive peace agreement is imminent. The unresolved dispute over Hezbollah’s disarmament and Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon remains central to the negotiations.
For Washington, however, the releases offer an opportunity to keep the diplomatic process moving. Whether that momentum can survive the wider security tensions in the region will likely determine the prospects for a more lasting Lebanon-Israel agreement.
