(IsraelNN.com) Syrian and Egyptian newspapers report that Israel has released a Hizbullah spy as the first "good-will gesture" to the Syrians ahead of renewed talks. 

Mohammed al-Shamali, an Arab man apprehended in 2003, was released Tuesday, just before Israeli and Syrian negotiators resumed contact in Turkey on Wednesday.

Shamali, who was arrested with his brother, was supposed to remain in prison until 2010 for supplying Hizbullah with security and military information.

Israel has not responded to the report, which originated with Syria's SANA state-run news service and was also reported by an Egyptian paper.