Story perspectives

Israel proposes prisoner-exchange plan moving cemeteries to Israel

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel proposed moving Jewish remains from Beirut and Sidon cemeteries to Israel in a prisoner-exchange deal.
The exchange would free some Lebanese detainees while excluding Hezbollah members.
In Rome, Israeli, Lebanese and U.S. officials met, with a source calling the talks “positive.”
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem condemned the negotiations as shameful for President Joseph Aoun, saying talks are unlikely next month and will resume after summer.

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Story summary

Israel proposed moving Jewish remains from Beirut and Sidon cemeteries to Israel in a prisoner-exchange deal.
The exchange would free some Lebanese detainees while excluding Hezbollah members.
In Rome, Israeli, Lebanese and U.S. officials met, with a source calling the talks “positive.”
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem condemned the negotiations as shameful for President Joseph Aoun, saying talks are unlikely next month and will resume after summer.