🔸 LEBANON NEGOTIATIONS: Israel has decided to release five Lebanese civilians detained in areas under IDF control in southern Lebanon as a diplomatic gesture amid ongoing negotiations. After questioning, authorities determined that they were not members of a terrorist organization, had not been involved in terrorism and there was no justification for continuing to hold them.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also instructed officials to advance efforts to locate and return the bodies of leaders of Lebanon’s Jewish community who were abducted and murdered by terrorist organizations in the mid-1980s. The PMO stated: “Netanyahu has instructed authorities to advance efforts to locate and return the bodies of the heads of Lebanon's Jewish community — the Kingdom victims who were abducted and murdered in the mid-1980s by terrorist organizations,” adding that Netanyahu has been involved in the issue for decades, dating back to his tenure as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations.
Israel and Lebanon have undertaken numerous efforts in recent months to locate the bodies, including operations on the ground. The PMO linked the decision to release the five Lebanese civilians to these significant efforts and the ongoing negotiations.
✈️ SOUTHERN LEBANON STRIKES: The Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes on al-Mansouri and Ali al-Taher in southern Lebanon.
❌ QABATIYA ATTACK CELL: IDF soldiers apprehended a five-member terrorist cell in the Qabatiya area that was planning an attack against Israeli civilians and security forces. The special counterterrorism operation was guided by Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) intelligence. The five, who were involved in advancing terrorist attacks, were apprehended within less than ten minutes of troops reaching the suspected locations.
Searches of their homes uncovered a concealed M16 rifle and additional military equipment. The suspects were transferred for further questioning by security forces.
❌ SHECHEM WEAPONS PRODUCTION: IDF forces, guided by the Shin Bet, completed a 48-hour brigade-level counterterrorism operation in Shechem and surrounding areas. Troops dismantled more than 30 machines used to produce weapons and confiscated concealed weapons, including firearms, handguns and ammunition.
Forces searched hundreds of sites, questioned dozens of suspects and apprehended more than 10 wanted individuals. The IDF said its forces will continue proactive and offensive operations to thwart terrorism throughout Judea and Samaria and protect residents and Israeli civilians.
⚠️ AL-MUGHAYYIR RIOT UNDER REVIEW: IDF soldiers recently secured the entry of Israeli police and a civilian into Al-Mughayyir to facilitate the return of livestock belonging to Israeli civilians. The livestock was identified through distinguishing marks indicating Israeli civilian ownership.
During the activity, a violent riot broke out in which terrorists hurled cinder blocks and stones at the forces. Troops fired at key instigators to remove the threat, with hits identified. The events leading up to the incident, as well as its management, are under review.
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