SIDON, Lebanon: Ali Talal Daoud, a Lebanese national who was detained by the Israeli army after crossing into the Jewish state over the weekend, was returned Monday to his home country, security sources said.

Daoud was handed over to the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon at the southern entrance of Ras Naqoura, south Lebanon, and was then in turn handed over to the Lebanese Army, the sources said.

The Israeli army detained a Lebanese man Sunday after he crossed the border into the Jewish state, Israeli media reported.

He was found to have no weapons, the reports said, adding that the Israeli army canvassed the area to make sure there had been no infiltration into Israel.

According to Elnashara news website, Daoud had already attempted an escape to Israel through the Fatima Gate with his two children some nine months ago but was returned by the Israeli army.

Israel has since then built a fence in the same area.