In an unprecedented move, Israel decided, in coordination with the US and as a gesture to Lebanon’s new president Joseph Aoun, to release five Lebanese prisoners, including one Hezbollah member.

This gesture was not without context:
1. President Aoun was elected against the will of the Shiite axis
2. and has been taking behind-the-scenes steps against Hezbollah.

Israel aims to strengthen the moderate faction in Lebanon by taking concrete actions.

At the same time, Israel clarified that if Lebanon’s military deploys forces in the south it would begin withdrawing from positions it currently holds.

Israel had agreed to discuss disputed border points with Lebanon two years ago at the request of the previous envoy, Amos Hochstein.