Israel Said to Seek Return of Jewish Remains From Lebanon in Exchange for Lebanese Prisoners

The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, reported today (Monday) that Israel proposed a civilian prisoner exchange deal in talks with Lebanon. Under the proposal, the remains of Jews buried in Lebanon would be transferred to Israel in exchange for Lebanese prisoners held in Israel. Another round of talks between Israel and Lebanon, on the range of issues under discussion, is expected to take place next month.

The report noted that families in Israel whose relatives are buried in cemeteries in Beirut, Sidon, and other locations in Lebanon have asked to move them for burial in Israel. It should be noted that thousands of Jews lived in Lebanon until the Six-Day War.

The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat quoted sources as saying that "the Israeli negotiating delegation demanded the return of the remains of Lebanese Jews who were killed during the civil war, as well as information about the fate of Lebanese Jews who disappeared during Lebanon's civil war, especially in the 1980s."

According to the report, Israel also asked to learn the fate of Ron Arad, "or for his remains to be handed over." Sources quoted by the newspaper described Israel's demands as "impossible," noting that the Lebanese state "knows nothing about the remains of the Jews, nor about Ron Arad."

Lebanese network LBCI reported that "preliminary lists were exchanged by Lebanon regarding prisoners and missing persons, while the Israeli side presented a list of names of missing and deceased Lebanese Jews."