Relations between Israel and Lebanon have been in a complicated state lately, caught between diplomatic contacts and media hostility. While the goal of removing the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah from southern Lebanon tops both countries’ priorities, Lebanon’s president continues his public accusations against Israel—even as Israel moved to return five prisoners to Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Thursday that “Israel continues to violate the framework agreement reached in Lebanese-American-Israeli talks in Washington.” The remarks came during his meeting with the Dutch Minister of Trade and Development—and alongside reports in Lebanese media that Israel would release five prisoners back to Lebanon.
1+During his statement, Aoun claimed that the Lebanese army is fully performing its role in the pilot areas where it redeployed, and any statement to the contrary is intended to damage the Lebanese army’s reputation—and cast doubt on its role. The president said this despite having questioned his own army several times himself.
In recent weeks, Lebanon’s president has stated he prefers that UN forces (UNIFIL) remain in Lebanon, despite their scheduled formal withdrawal from the country at the end of 2026—after 48 years. It’s unclear whether this is a direct request from Aoun, but France and Italy recently announced their intention to preserve the international military presence in Lebanon.
1+As mentioned, Aoun’s statement came alongside reports from Lebanese channels and media outlets that Israel is expected to soon release five Lebanese prisoners and detainees and transfer them back to its territory. The reports described the move as “a gesture of goodwill.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the five Lebanese citizens released from Israel are not members of a terror organization and were not engaged in terrorist activity.