Israel announces release of five Lebanese hours after abducting three in border village

The United States has praised both Lebanon and Israel for a plan to release five Lebanese citizens detained in occupied southern Lebanon. This move comes after Israel abducted three individuals from a Lebanese village, causing widespread fear among the community. Lebanon welcomed the release, brokered by the US, and stated that the first detainee, Malek Ghazi, was freed on Thursday evening with assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross. The remaining four detainees were expected to be released on Friday morning.

However, the announcement of the release coincided with the Israeli military's raid in the village of Halta, near the Golan Heights. Local officials and witnesses reported that Israeli troops entered houses at dawn, questioning about a dozen residents amid gunfire. Three villagers were abducted during the raid, which lasted for four hours, leaving many feeling terrified. Israeli troops searched homes extensively, preventing residents from leaving and issuing orders to remain indoors for their safety.

The US State Department confirmed that the release of the five Lebanese citizens was finalized in talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US ambassadors to Israel and Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed gratitude to the US administration and ambassador Michel Issa for their efforts in facilitating the release, emphasizing that it represents a step towards resolving the issue.