Israel releases Lebanese captive, says four more will follow

Malek Ghazi was handed over to the Lebanese Army through the Red Cross on Thursday, in a release Israel described as a diplomatic gesture toward Beirut. Israel also plans to free four more Lebanese captives as negotiations between the two sides continue.

An Israeli official confirmed the planned releases. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the move was coordinated with the United States and formed part of the negotiations. The issue reportedly came up this week in Jerusalem during a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

A Lebanese political source told MTV that the release of one or more captives would provide support for direct negotiations. The source said Ghazi’s release had been expected a day earlier but was postponed for logistical reasons. Lebanon had been promised five releases after the latest talks in Rome, but it was unclear whether the remaining four would be transferred on the same day or the following day.

“

The release of one or more captives is a dose of support for direct negotiations, and it had been expected that the first prisoner, Malek Ghazi, would be released yesterday, but it was postponed to today for logistical reasons.

More than 30 Lebanese captives are still believed to be held in Israel. Lebanese media reported in October 2025 that Ghazi, then about 20, had disappeared near Ain Ata, north of Mount Hermon, after going out for a training session. His motorcycle was later found, but he was not.

The release came as Israel voiced dissatisfaction with a pilot-zones arrangement in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army has said the Lebanese Army is not making enough progress in removing Hezbollah infrastructure from villages included in the pilot area.

“

Lebanon had been promised, since the latest Rome negotiations, that five captives would be released, and it is unknown whether it will receive the other four today or tomorrow.