Israel and Lebanon discussed what was referred to as a "civilian prisoner exchange deal" during recent negotiations, with Israeli officials raising the possibility of transferring the remains of Jews buried in Lebanese cemeteries to Israel, Hezbollah-linked Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported on Monday.
According to the report, the issue arose during discussions over Lebanese prisoners and detainees held by Israel, and was specifically in relation to people classified by Israel as civilians whose affiliation with Hezbollah was not known, but nevertheless posed a threat to IDF troops and were therefore detained.
The Israeli representatives specifically referred to what Al-Akhbar described as a significant number of remains buried in Jewish cemeteries in Beirut and Sidon.
Israel, Lebanon talks described as 'positive' after latest round in Rome
The report came after Israel and Lebanon's recent round of talks in Rome, which a source speaking to The Jerusalem Post described as "positive."
The source added that both Israeli and Lebanese military personnel attended the talks.
Shortly before the talks began, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem denounced both the talks and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's role in them in a televised address.
Qassem said that the talks would bring "nothing but shame, humiliation, and successive compromises" for Lebanon.
He also said that Aoun had "not acted as an arbiter, nor as a unifying figure, but has become biased and divisive, which is incompatible with his role and with Lebanon's strength."
Idan Kweller and James Genn contributed to this report.
This is a developing story.