1st step of prisoner exchange begins

ROSH HANIKRA, Israel (CNN) - The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah handed over what are believed to be the remains of two Israeli soldiers Wednesday - the first step of a long-awaited prisoner swap between the two sides.

Hezbollah officials handed over two large black boxes to Red Cross officials who will carry them over the border to Israel.

If forensics expert determine that the remains are those of Sgt. First Class Ehud Goldwasser and Staff Sgt. Eldad Regev, Israel will turn over to Hezbollah five Lebanese prisoners - including convicted murder Samir Kuntar, who many Israelis consider the embodiment of evil.

It will also return the remains of 199 Lebanese fighters who Israel says were killed in clashes over the years.