Israel, Lebanon prepare prisoner swap

NETANYA, Israel, July 14 (UPI) -- Preparations were under way Monday in Israel and Lebanon as an expected prisoner swap with the Palestinian militant group Hezbollah drew nearer.

Israeli officials readied five Hezbollah prisoners, including 1970s terrorist Samir Kuntar, for Wednesday's planned exchange, the Jerusalem Post reported. Four of the prisoners were taken to join Kuntar at Hadarim Prison near Netanya, Israel, and will be kept there until kidnapped Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev are transferred to them.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah leaders were planning to receive the bodies of 200 of its slain fighters and to stage a welcome for Kuntar and the four others, where they will be greeted by Lebanese government officials.

A massive rally is also planned in Beirut's Dahiya neighborhood, where Hezbollah leader Nasrallah is expected to speak, Lebanese media reported.