The Gilboa prison in northern Israel. (Credit: Jalaa Marey/AFP)
The release of Lebanese prisoners captured by Israel during its latest war with Hezbollah is a key condition set by the party for discussing the future of its arsenal. In addition to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and halt of Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory, this condition would allow President Joseph Aoun — keen to establish the state’s monopoly on arms — to initiate a bilateral dialogue with Hezbollah on a national security strategy.Initially, after November’s cease-fire agreement, Hezbollah officials sparsely mentioned the prisoners’ issue — largely because, a source close to the party admitted, it was unclear how many there were. It was unclear to Hezbollah whether some “missing” civilians or fighters were being held by the Israelis or had simply died under the rubble in southern Lebanon. Since then,...
The release of Lebanese prisoners captured by Israel during its latest war with Hezbollah is a key condition set by the party for discussing the future of its arsenal. In addition to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and halt of Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory, this condition would allow President Joseph Aoun — keen to establish the state’s monopoly on arms — to initiate a bilateral dialogue with Hezbollah on a national security strategy.Initially, after November’s cease-fire agreement, Hezbollah officials sparsely mentioned the prisoners’ issue — largely because, a source close to the party admitted, it was unclear how many there were. It was unclear to Hezbollah whether some “missing” civilians or fighters were being held by the Israelis or had simply died under the rubble in southern Lebanon....
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil