Israel: Three Negev Residents Detained in Egypt for Six Months, Awaiting Official Response

Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday evening that three Israeli citizens from the Negev region have been detained in Egypt for approximately six months, stating that Israeli authorities have not yet received a sufficient official response regarding their situation. The ministry indicated that it, along with other entities, has approached Egyptian authorities seeking official information about the detainees. While continuing to work with Egyptian officials and communicate with the families, the ministry reiterated that a satisfactory official response has not been obtained.

Kan channel reported earlier that the three Israeli Bedouin men from the Negev have been held in Egypt under unclear circumstances for about half a year. According to information conveyed to their families, their detention is not related to criminal matters but rather to issues concerning Egyptian national security.

The families identified the detainees as Bilal Masoudin Al-Walidi, Bilal Al-Afshak, and Ahmed Al-Duji. They reportedly traveled to Egypt for a holiday in March and were arrested by Egyptian authorities at the Taba border crossing while attempting to return to Israel. Contact with the detainees was maintained until shortly before their apprehension, after which all communication ceased.