Zachary Baumel
Israel will release two Syrian prisoners as a “good will gesture” after the recovery of the body of missing Israel soldier, Zachary Baumel, an Israeli official announced on April 27, according to the Times of Israel.
The official said that the decision to release the Syrian prisoners was taken few days ago without the cabinet approval. However, the decision bypassed the Israeli laws with the consent of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.
Israel recovered the remains of Zachary Baumel, a U.S.-born Israeli soldier missing since a 1982 tank battle against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), earlier this month. Russian and Syrian forces played a key role in the recovery of the remains, according to President Vladimir Putin.
The Israeli official’s announcement confirmed a recent statement by Russian President’s Special Envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, in which he said that Israel will soon release Syrian prisoners.
“This was an act of interest for the Syrian side. We will not do anything that is contrary to Syria’s interests, but only things that serve them,” Lavrentiev said explaining the importance of the prisoners release during an interview with RT on April 26.
The identities of the two Syrian prisoners who will be released from Israeli jails is yet to be revealed. However, Israeli media claim that they are Syrian Druze from the occupied al-Golan Heights, who were jailed because of their cooperation with the Damascus government.
