Israel released Malek Kamal Ghazi, a Lebanese detainee held in southern Lebanon, in early September 2026 and handed him over to Lebanese authorities at the Naqoura crossing via the Red Cross, officials said today [1, 2, 3]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the five detainees set for release were determined not to have links to militant groups. "The five detainees were found not to be members of a terrorist organisation or involved in terrorism," Netanyahu said [2].
The release comes under a U.S.-brokered framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon in June 2026. The deal includes detainee releases and efforts to find the remains of kidnapped Jewish leaders from the 1980s [1, 3]. Lebanon has submitted a list of more than 30 detainees held by Israel, including civilians and Hezbollah fighters, though those freed now are civilians and not affiliated with militant groups [2, 3].
Four other detainees, including two Lebanese and two Syrian nationals, are expected to be freed around September 5, 2026 [3]. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam praised the release and pledged continued efforts. "We will continue working until the release of all our prisoners, the disclosure of the fate of the missing, and the achievement of a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory," Salam said [2].
The agreement aims toward an eventual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah, although Hezbollah rejects these terms [1, 3]. Around 35 Lebanese detainees remain reportedly held by Israel, including approximately 20 civilians [1].
The recent release marks the first concrete step under the U.S.-brokered accord since it was signed three months ago. The next group of detainees is slated for release early next week on September 5.
