Germany called on Wednesday the Lebanese militants to release the Israeli soldiers "immediately and unconditionally."

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is in contact with his counterparts in the Middle East to help mediate the crisis.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli army confirmed that two soldiers were missing in fierce clashes against Hezbollah militants in the border area.

Hezbollah claimed kidnapping the soldiers, demanding Israel release prisoners held in Israeli jails in exchange for their release.

On June 25, an Israeli soldier was held hostage by Palestinian militants.

Source: Xinhua