An Israeli citizen who had been imprisoned in Lebanon for about a year returned to Israel on Thursday afternoon, the Prime Minister’s Office said on behalf of the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch.
Saleh Abu-Hussein was transferred at the Rosh Hanikra crossing from the Lebanese authorities to Hirsch after negotiations in recent months with the assistance of the Red Cross.
Following initial questioning and a preliminary medical examination, the IDF took Abu-Hussein for comprehensive tests at a hospital, after which he will meet his family. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation by security forces.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Abu-Hussein’s return and thanked Hirsch and all those involved in his release.
He had been imprisoned since July of last year.
Saleh had been imprisoned since July of last year
The released captive was imprisoned in Lebanon in July 2024, according to KAN, which also reported that no one was released in exchange for him.
At the time of Abu-Hussein’s release, there are still 50 hostages still held captive in the Gaza Strip.
Terrorist groups in the Strip may consider moving hostages to Gaza City as a means to deter the planned takeover by the IDF of the area, according to a Sunday report by the Saudi-owned, London-based outlet Asharq Al-Awsat.
This is a developing story.