Three Negev Bedouins Detained in Egypt for Six Months on Security Charges

Three Israeli Bedouins from the Negev region have been held in Egypt for approximately six months under unclear circumstances, according to a report on Monday. Their families received word that the detentions were not for criminal reasons but related to Egyptian national security. The three men, who left for a vacation in Egypt in March, were reportedly arrested by Egyptian authorities at the Taba border crossing while attempting to return to Israel. The individuals, identified as Blial Masaudyan Al Walidi, Bilal Al Afshak, and Ahmed Adouji, maintained contact with their families until just before their arrest, after which all communication ceased. Following efforts by their Israeli legal counsel, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed their detention in Egypt. Family members stated that throughout this period, they were unable to communicate with the detained men, their lawyers were denied visitation, and they were not informed if the men had appeared before a court. Furthermore, the families claim that no Israeli consular representative has visited the detainees to date. A relative reported that the lawyer's requests to Egyptian authorities for information on their whereabouts have gone unanswered, and investigations revealed they are not held in police custody, known prisons, hospitals, or any official facility. The lack of official acknowledgment from any Egyptian ministry, coupled with the absence of any mention in Egyptian media, heightens concerns about the reasons for their detention. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the situation and stated it is being handled. No official response has been received from the Egyptian side.