HISTORIC REQUEST: Israel Reportedly Seeks Transfer Of Kevarim From Lebanon As Part Of Beirut Talks

Israel has reportedly requested the transfer of remains of Jews buried in Lebanon to Israel as part of ongoing negotiations between Jerusalem and Beirut over a permanent agreement, according to a report Monday in the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar. Israeli negotiators raised the issue during discussions concerning Lebanese prisoners held by Israel following the war in Lebanon.

The request reportedly came as Israel and Lebanon discuss the release of detainees. Lebanon is seeking the release of Lebanese prisoners, while Israel proposed incorporating the transfer of Jewish remains into what it described as a "civilian prisoner exchange deal." Under the reported proposal, Israel would release some Lebanese detainees while excluding Hezbollah operatives, and Lebanon would permit the remains of Jews buried in the country to be transferred to Israel.

A separate report by Saudi Arabia's Asharq News said recent negotiations in Rome included a "legal" Track focused on Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, separate from discussions concerning captured Hezbollah members. The outlet described the atmosphere surrounding those discussions as "positive."

Lebanon was once home to a substantial Jewish community with centuries-old roots. The population initially grew following Israel's establishment in 1948 and reached approximately 10,000 before declining dramatically to several hundred by the 1970s. Today, no more than a few dozen Jews are believed to remain in Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon continue U.S.-mediated negotiations aimed at reaching a broader arrangement following the recent war. During negotiations in Washington in June, the sides agreed to a framework that reportedly includes the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in areas currently controlled by Israel. The process is expected to begin in designated "pilot zones" Before potentially expanding to additional areas. Israel and Lebanon held their seventh round of U.S.-mediated negotiations last week as efforts continue toward a long-term agreement.