Families Criticize Israeli Handling of Negev Youths Detained in Egypt

The legal and popular follow-up team for three youths from the Negev detained in Egypt for nearly six months has stated that Israeli authorities have not provided sufficient information or answers regarding their case, despite repeated inquiries. The team issued a statement Friday to clarify the timeline and facts surrounding the detention, which began on March 23, 2026, shortly after the youths arrived in Sharm El Sheikh on March 20.

Following their arrest, the youths' families contacted the Israeli Consul General in Tel Aviv, who confirmed their detention and ongoing investigation in Egypt. The Consul assured them that the youths were well and would either be brought to trial or released after the investigation concluded. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a written response in May 2026 confirming the detentions and stating their ongoing communication with Egyptian authorities.

Despite numerous subsequent contacts with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including appeals to Foreign Minister Gidon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, no new official information or significant developments have been shared with the families. The families have also hired lawyers in Egypt to pursue the case legally, but these lawyers have not yet received adequate responses or information to proceed effectively.

The follow-up team emphasized their initial approach of handling the sensitive case quietly through official and legal channels, avoiding political exploitation or media escalation to protect the youths' interests and facilitate a calm, legal resolution. They expressed full respect for Egypt and its institutions, trusting the case would be handled within legal frameworks.

However, the team stressed that the responsibility for monitoring Israeli citizens detained abroad and providing information to their families lies with Israeli official bodies. The families feel the Israeli follow-up has been inadequate given the time elapsed and repeated contacts. They urged Arab members of the Knesset to intensify their efforts and contacts with both Egyptian and Israeli authorities to help resolve the issue wisely and responsibly, aiming for the youths' safe return.