Israel released four Lebanese detainees on Friday afternoon, about an hour before the report, adding to one detainee freed on Thursday, according to Shirit Avitan Cohen (Israel Hayom). Political sources in Lebanon said the release could pave the way for the next round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, expected to take place this month.
Israel on Friday transferred four Lebanese detainees to Lebanon via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), completing the release of five detainees over two days — one on Thursday and four on Friday, according to Israeli media and the ICRC.
The four detainees handed over Friday at the Naqoura border crossing were identified by Lebanese channel Al-Manar as Ali Shour and Hussein Ayash (Lebanese citizens), and Asaad al-Hasika and Wissam al-Samwi (Syrian citizens). The transfer followed the release on Thursday of Malik Kamal Razi, a 20-year-old Lebanese individual whose disappearance in October 2025 had been a point of diplomatic friction. Saudi outlet Al-Hadath reported that Israel characterized Razi's transfer as a 'goodwill gesture.'
The ICRC confirmed it facilitated the transfer of the five detainees, one on Thursday and four on Friday, stating it acted 'as a neutral intermediary between Israel and Lebanon.' The organization noted it has not been granted access to detainees held in Israeli facilities since October 2023.
Political sources in Lebanon told Israel Hayom that the releases could pave the way for the next round of Israeli-Lebanese negotiations, expected to take place this month. The timing of the goodwill gesture coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the northern border.
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