Israel has released five Lebanese detainees and returned them to Lebanon after determining that none had ties to terrorist organizations, according to reports. The releases come as efforts are underway in Lebanon to locate the remains of leaders of the country’s Jewish community who were abducted and murdered by terrorist groups during the 1980s.
One of those released, 33-year-old Hussein Ayyash, told Reuters that IDF soldiers detained him approximately three months ago while he was driving in the southern Lebanese village of Tebnine. Ayyash said he was subsequently brought to Israel, held in isolation and questioned about whether he had connections to Hezbollah.
Ayyash said he was not physically tortured while in Israeli custody, but claimed that he experienced considerable psychological pressure and was frequently transferred between different detention facilities.
“There are Syrians, Lebanese, Palestinians, all different nationalities who are in prison. You are moved from room to room every so often, every 30-40 days,” he said.
Ayyash’s brother claimed that approximately 100 Lebanese nationals remain imprisoned in Israel and should also be released. He said the detainees are among the central issues being discussed in negotiations with Israel, which has previously freed Lebanese prisoners as a gesture toward the Lebanese government.
Ayyash’s mother said she hopes that all those still being held will eventually be returned to their families.
The releases are taking place against the backdrop of a separate effort in Lebanon to recover the remains of prominent members of the Lebanese Jewish community who were kidnapped and murdered by terrorist organizations in the 1980s.
{Matzav.com}
