Israel has repeatedly said it is willing to trade the Lebanese prisoners for the seven missing Israelis.

They are the best known of more than a dozen Lebanese prisoners whom Israel is thought to be holding.

Around 20 Lebanese prisoners were detained there, most of whom were released after questioning.

The bodies of the slain soldiers were exchanged for Lebanese prisoners in 2004.

This is not a conflict about Palestinian or Lebanese prisoners in Israel.

His topics included a financial scandal and the more lenient sentences given to wealthy Lebanese prisoners.

Hezbollah sought to use the captives for leverage to release Lebanese prisoners.

"In the framework of these negotiations," he said, "Israel will be ready to make its contribution and to free Lebanese prisoners it holds."

Syria's leaders say they released the last of their Lebanese prisoners in December 2000.

He and the others were freed in exchange for 700 Lebanese prisoners held by Israel.