arrest – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:27:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg arrest – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Israeli couple's sex at Thai waterfall gets them into trouble https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/05/israeli-couple-arrested-thailand-koh-phangan-public-sex/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/05/israeli-couple-arrested-thailand-koh-phangan-public-sex/#respond Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:07:22 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1100625 An Israeli couple was arrested in Koh Phangan, Thailand after being caught engaging in sexual intercourse at Wang Sai waterfall in broad daylight. The incident, filmed by tourists, sparked outrage and led to charges of committing an obscene act in public. Authorities emphasized such behavior violates Thai law and disrespects local customs at sacred sites.

The post Israeli couple's sex at Thai waterfall gets them into trouble appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
An Israeli couple arrested in Koh Phangan, Thailand faces criminal charges after being caught engaging in sexual activity at the popular Wang Sai waterfall tourist site in broad daylight Wednesday.

The incident occurred Tuesday, when the couple was seen performing sexual activity in daylight, showing no consideration for the presence of other tourists. Some shocked visitors filmed the act and shared it online, sparking widespread public outrage and concerns about Thailand's tourism image.

The couple during their sexual intercourse (Screenshot)

The Koh Phangan district chief ordered an immediate investigation to identify and track down the couple. Authorities discovered the pair had been staying at a hotel in a village in the district. Wednesday, district and immigration officers, including the deputy police commander, arrested the man and woman at their hotel and took them to the Koh Phangan immigration office for questioning.

The Wang Sai falls in Thailand (Getty images)

According to authorities, the two admitted they were the couple appearing in the sexual clip circulated online, and acknowledged they had engaged in sexual intercourse at the waterfall around midday on November 4. Following their confession, police charged the tourists with "committing an obscene act in public by exposing their bodies or offensive sexual behavior." The couple was transferred to Koh Phangan police station, where legal proceedings began.

Police stated that such behavior not only violates Thai law but also offends local customs and tarnishes the image of a popular nature site. Tourism authorities have long warned that visitors must respect Thai cultural norms, especially at public or sacred sites. This case serves as a reminder that Thailand welcomes tourists but expects them to behave with basic respect.

The post Israeli couple's sex at Thai waterfall gets them into trouble appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/05/israeli-couple-arrested-thailand-koh-phangan-public-sex/feed/
Police snatch kindergarten teacher for doubling as cocaine dealer https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/02/police-snatch-kindergarten-teacher-for-doubling-as-cocaine-dealer/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/02/police-snatch-kindergarten-teacher-for-doubling-as-cocaine-dealer/#respond Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:15:21 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1085039 Approximately half a kilogram (1.1 pounds) of a substance suspected of being cocaine was seized from a kindergarten teacher from central Israel and another suspect. Both were arrested by Jerusalem District police on suspicion of trafficking narcotics. Police detectives observed the suspects in a shopping center during the afternoon, and they aroused suspicion. The officers […]

The post Police snatch kindergarten teacher for doubling as cocaine dealer appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
Approximately half a kilogram (1.1 pounds) of a substance suspected of being cocaine was seized from a kindergarten teacher from central Israel and another suspect. Both were arrested by Jerusalem District police on suspicion of trafficking narcotics.

Police detectives observed the suspects in a shopping center during the afternoon, and they aroused suspicion. The officers stopped the suspects for an inspection, and a search of their belongings revealed a substance suspected to be cocaine weighing about half a kilogram – an amount not for personal use – and a large sum of cash.

Shocking case of drug dealing by a kindergarten teacher in Israel has raised eyebrows (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ChiccoDodiFC_ Getty Images/iStockphoto

The suspects, residents of central Israel in their 30s, were arrested by police detectives. To their surprise, it was discovered that the female suspect works as a kindergarten teacher. The pair was brought in for questioning at the offices of the Jerusalem District Police's Youth Exposure Unit. On Tuesday, the suspects will be brought before the court again for a hearing on the police's request to extend their detention to complete further investigative actions.

The police commented "The Israel Police continues its activity against offenses of growing, distributing, and trafficking drugs, while locating those involved and bringing them to justice."

The post Police snatch kindergarten teacher for doubling as cocaine dealer appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/02/police-snatch-kindergarten-teacher-for-doubling-as-cocaine-dealer/feed/
'Hitler' gets arrested in Germany; to serve 3 years https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/16/hitler-gets-arrested-in-germany-to-serve-3-years/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/16/hitler-gets-arrested-in-germany-to-serve-3-years/#respond Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:44:58 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1073469 A scandalous incident has rocked Germany during MotoGP, the popular motorcycle racing event at the Sachsenring circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal. The controversy centers on a German neo-Nazi who drew support from fellow spectators while simultaneously enraging local officials and the nation's Jewish community. The 40-year-old defendant, who faces significant legal penalties for his actions, attended the […]

The post 'Hitler' gets arrested in Germany; to serve 3 years appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
A scandalous incident has rocked Germany during MotoGP, the popular motorcycle racing event at the Sachsenring circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal. The controversy centers on a German neo-Nazi who drew support from fellow spectators while simultaneously enraging local officials and the nation's Jewish community.

The 40-year-old defendant, who faces significant legal penalties for his actions, attended the race wearing a brown shirt emblazoned with "ADOLF" in English letters and the numeral 8 beneath it. This name-number combination clearly referenced Adolf Hitler – symbols strictly forbidden under German law.

Neo-Nazi groups routinely employ the number 88 as coded language for "Heil Hitler," utilizing the numerical position of the letter H in the alphabet.

Furthermore, while competitors thundered around the track, the law-breaking suspect approached a nearby beer concession stand and donned a rubber Hitler mask, parading openly with the offensive disguise. Astonishingly, other race attendees eagerly posed for photographs with him, apparently delighted to capture selfies with "the dictator."

MotoGP riders compete during the race of the MotoGP German motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring racing circuit, in Hohenstein-Ernstthal near Chemnitz, eastern Germany on July 13, 2025 (Ronny Hartmann / AFP)

Security personnel eventually received complaints about the display, prompting immediate action to eject the neo-Nazi from the facility. Officials arrested him on-site and transported him for interrogation. "Such behavior has absolutely no place at our racetrack. We responded instantly upon identification," declared the race director, emphasizing that the individual would be permanently banned from future events.

Gestern beim MotoGP am Sachsenring – Typ mit Hitler-Maske posiert öffentlich für Fotos. Wir sind komplett verloren.
byu/Lohmie86 inStaiy

German police representatives confirmed that "criminal investigators have launched an immediate inquiry into this incident. The suspect faces charges for displaying symbols of prohibited organizations."

The neo-Nazi now confronts severe legal consequences as prosecutors prepare their case. German statutes mandate harsh penalties for his violations, including substantial monetary fines potentially reaching tens of thousands of euros, plus judicial discretion to impose up to three years imprisonment.

The post 'Hitler' gets arrested in Germany; to serve 3 years appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/16/hitler-gets-arrested-in-germany-to-serve-3-years/feed/
'Join me as I burn US Embassy': German tourist's bizarre firebombing attempt https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/20/join-me-as-i-burn-us-embassy-german-tourists-bizarre-firebombing-attempt/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/20/join-me-as-i-burn-us-embassy-german-tourists-bizarre-firebombing-attempt/#respond Tue, 20 May 2025 03:28:11 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1059911 The German tourist detained on Monday on suspicion of preparing to firebomb the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv had telegraphed his intentions through explicit social media posts. Mere hours before authorities apprehended him, the suspect published an open invitation asking people to "join me as I burn down the US Embassy in Tel […]

The post 'Join me as I burn US Embassy': German tourist's bizarre firebombing attempt appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
The German tourist detained on Monday on suspicion of preparing to firebomb the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv had telegraphed his intentions through explicit social media posts. Mere hours before authorities apprehended him, the suspect published an open invitation asking people to "join me as I burn down the US Embassy in Tel Aviv this afternoon."

The backpack carried by the German tourist near the US Embassy Brach Office contained incendiary material (Israel Police)

The incident involved a 27-year-old German national who was taken into custody Monday evening after allegedly spitting toward an embassy building's security guard and discarding a bag containing materials for manufacturing incendiary devices in proximity to the US diplomatic compound in Tel Aviv.

The would-be attacker's social media is replete with pro-Palestinian propaganda and anti-US posts, suggesting his plot was meant to protest US and Israeli policy regarding the ongoing war in Gaza.

 

Police bomb disposal units summoned to the location examined the abandoned bag and discovered suspicious contents, including flammable substances and glass bottles – materials consistent with those used for producing Molotov cocktails. Concurrently, law enforcement conducted widespread searches throughout central Tel Aviv, quickly locating and apprehending the suspect.

The suspect being taken into custody by police (Israel Police)

The man subsequently acknowledged his connection to the incident and was transported to the local police station for further investigation.

The post 'Join me as I burn US Embassy': German tourist's bizarre firebombing attempt appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/20/join-me-as-i-burn-us-embassy-german-tourists-bizarre-firebombing-attempt/feed/
'Pills N Potions' went too far? Nicki Minaj arrested in Amsterdam on suspicion of possessing drugs https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/05/26/nicki-minaj-arrested-in-amsterdam-on-suspicion-of-possessing-drugs/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/05/26/nicki-minaj-arrested-in-amsterdam-on-suspicion-of-possessing-drugs/#respond Sun, 26 May 2024 03:42:40 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=955985   In a shocking turn of events, American rapper Nicki Minaj found herself embroiled in legal troubles just hours before her scheduled concert in Manchester, England. According to authorities, Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, was arrested on suspicion of drug possession at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport while en route to the UK for […]

The post 'Pills N Potions' went too far? Nicki Minaj arrested in Amsterdam on suspicion of possessing drugs appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
 

In a shocking turn of events, American rapper Nicki Minaj found herself embroiled in legal troubles just hours before her scheduled concert in Manchester, England. According to authorities, Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, was arrested on suspicion of drug possession at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport while en route to the UK for her "Pink Friday 2 World Tour."

The 41-year-old artist was taken into custody by Dutch police but released after a few hours, having been fined for the alleged offense. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, law enforcement officials confirmed that an "American woman" had been apprehended for "possession of soft drugs" before being allowed to "continue her journey."

Despite Minaj's best efforts to salvage the situation, the promoter, Live Nation UK, was forced to postpone the Manchester show at the Co-op Live arena. "We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused," the company said in an update, assuring that tickets would remain valid for the rescheduled concert.

In a candid social media post early Sunday, Minaj shared her side of the story, expressing her sincere apologies to fans. "After sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, my plane still didn't take off for another 20 mins once I boarded" the 50-minute flight from Amsterdam, she wrote.

Minaj, known for her outspoken nature, hinted at a potential conspiracy, stating, "They sure did know exactly how to hurt me today, but this too, shall pass." She also vowed to create "an added bonus" for ticket holders affected by the postponement.

Throughout the ordeal, the "Starships" rapper documented the events on social media, sharing videos of her interactions with authorities at the airport. In one clip, she questioned the decision to search her luggage after it had already been loaded onto the plane.  In response, her dedicated fans rallied behind her, sparking the hashtag #freenicki to trend across social media platforms. 

Minaj also alleged that certain individuals were trying to "sabotage" her successful tour, accusing them of planting evidence in her luggage and stealing money from her travel expenses. "This is how they plant things in your luggage," she wrote in one post, promising to provide video evidence and involve lawyers.

Despite the controversy, Minaj reassured fans that she would still perform at the remaining scheduled shows in Manchester on Thursday and Birmingham on Sunday. She expressed her determination to reschedule the missed Manchester concert, considering potential dates in June and July.

As the situation unfolds, Minaj's supporters eagerly await further updates, hoping for a smooth continuation of her highly anticipated world tour.

 

The post 'Pills N Potions' went too far? Nicki Minaj arrested in Amsterdam on suspicion of possessing drugs appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/05/26/nicki-minaj-arrested-in-amsterdam-on-suspicion-of-possessing-drugs/feed/
Police deny imprinting Star of David on Palestinian arrestee's face https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/08/20/police-deny-imprinting-staf-or-david-on-palestinian-arrestees-face/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/08/20/police-deny-imprinting-staf-or-david-on-palestinian-arrestees-face/#respond Sun, 20 Aug 2023 06:09:14 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=903435   The Israel Police denied allegations Saturday that officers beat a Palestinian during a recent arrest, imprinting the Star of David on his cheek, saying the reports on the incident were "biased and distorted." Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram The suspect, in his 30s from the Shuafat refugee camp, was arrested last […]

The post Police deny imprinting Star of David on Palestinian arrestee's face appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
 

The Israel Police denied allegations Saturday that officers beat a Palestinian during a recent arrest, imprinting the Star of David on his cheek, saying the reports on the incident were "biased and distorted."

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

The suspect, in his 30s from the Shuafat refugee camp, was arrested last week on suspicion of drug possession with intent to distribute.

According to an official statement, "materials suspected to be drugs were confiscated in an amount not intended for personal use," including over two pounds of substances believed to be hashish, ecstasy, methadone, and other drugs.

The police said officers had no choice but to use force as the detainee violently resisted arrest and that the mark on his cheek was most likely made by a boot pressed against his face.

"At a certain point, the suspect began to lose control, and violently attacked officers and resisted arrest," the statement said. "Due to his actions, police were forced to use reasonable force until the arrest process was completed.

"As part of the investigation, the suspect's detention has been extended by the court until August 20. If there are complaints about a particular behavior, they should be examined by the relevant authorities," it said.

The suspect's attorney, however, accused the officers of brutality and racial animus – allegations that the forces denied.

None of the sixteen officers involved in the arrest had their body cameras on at the time, reportedly due to a technical problem.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post Police deny imprinting Star of David on Palestinian arrestee's face appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/08/20/police-deny-imprinting-staf-or-david-on-palestinian-arrestees-face/feed/
Report: Erdogan tried to meet with Bennett months before couple's arrest https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/19/report-erdogan-tried-to-meet-with-bennett-months-before-couples-arrest/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/19/report-erdogan-tried-to-meet-with-bennett-months-before-couples-arrest/#respond Fri, 19 Nov 2021 07:45:32 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=720809   Several months prior to the arrest of Israeli tourists Natalie and Mordy Oknin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made several unsuccessful attempts to secure a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Israel Hayom has learned from political sources.  Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter Officials on behalf of Erdogan reportedly met with Israeli representatives in […]

The post Report: Erdogan tried to meet with Bennett months before couple's arrest appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
 

Several months prior to the arrest of Israeli tourists Natalie and Mordy Oknin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made several unsuccessful attempts to secure a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Israel Hayom has learned from political sources. 

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Officials on behalf of Erdogan reportedly met with Israeli representatives in the United States several times, suggesting, among other things, a meeting between Erdogan and Bennett. Attempts to coordinate the proposed meeting reportedly took place ahead of the UN General Assembly in September, but the meeting did not occur due to Erdogan and Bennett's conflicting schedules. 

Turkey reportedly made another request for a meeting a few weeks ago, when Erdogan's advisers suggested the two meet at the United Nations climate conference in Glasgow. 

According to sources, Israeli officials wanted to avoid directly rejecting the request, and therefore, used diplomatic excuses to prevent the meeting – which they felt went against Israel's interests – from taking place. 

The requests from Erdogan's office come after earlier reports of contact between Israeli and Turkish officials as part of efforts to improve ties. 

Turkey's international standing has been in poor shape for several years. Its relations with the United States hit a wall and its ties with the European Union – which rejected its membership request – have been strenuous. 

As for Israel, ties between Ankara and Jerusalem have been at a low ebb for many years. In Jerusalem, Erdogan is viewed as a leader with antisemitic views. He has allowed Hamas to operate freely in the country. 

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top storiet

The post Report: Erdogan tried to meet with Bennett months before couple's arrest appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/19/report-erdogan-tried-to-meet-with-bennett-months-before-couples-arrest/feed/
Israeli couple freed from Turkish prison lands in Israel https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/18/israeli-couple-freed-from-turkish-prison-lands-in-israel/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/18/israeli-couple-freed-from-turkish-prison-lands-in-israel/#respond Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:23:58 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=720139   The Israeli couple detained in Turkey for photographing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's home have returned to Israel. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister and Prime Minister-designate Yair Lapid said Natalie and Mordy Oknin were en route to Israel in a joint statement early Thursday morning. […]

The post Israeli couple freed from Turkish prison lands in Israel appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
 

The Israeli couple detained in Turkey for photographing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's home have returned to Israel.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister and Prime Minister-designate Yair Lapid said Natalie and Mordy Oknin were en route to Israel in a joint statement early Thursday morning.

Bennett and Lapid also thanked Erdogan for his efforts to secure their release.

A senior diplomatic official told Israel Hayom, "Erdogan's intervention brought the incident to an end."

As soon as Erdogan's office was made aware of the incident, a process that allowed for their release was kicked into motion, according to a diplomatic official.  They said Erdogan  was personally responsible for the conclusion of the incident.

As soon as his office was made familiar with the case, his representatives gave the all-clear to wrap things up. That, according to the official, is when things took a turn for the better.

According to the official, Lapid and Bennett made the decision to maintain a low-profile when it came to Israel efforts to secure the couple's release. They and their officials also maintained ongoing ties with the Oknins' children. As a result, family members did not launch a public campaign.  Politicians were also asked to refrain from making public statements on the better. The assessment is that this approach aided in securing the Oknins' release.

Bennett also enlisted all available resources to the effort. According to foreign reports, Mossad chief David Barnea spoke with his Turkish counterpart and gave his word the Oknins' were not intelligence agents.  This proved consequential to their case, officials believe.

A diplomatic official said Barnea "works quietly and works very well. Cooperation between them [him and Bennett] was excellent."

Israel also updated the US and several other countries on the incident. The thinking was that Israel might need to enlist their help in the effort , although this did not ultimately prove necessary.

In a joint statement, Bennett and Lapid said, "We would like to express our great appreciation to the Oknin family for staying strong in a complex situation, as well as for the open and warm cooperation with the Foreign Ministry. Special thanks to state President Isaac Herzog for his efforts to bring them home," Bennett and Lapid said in a joint statement."

"Welcome to Israel," Herzog said. "Natalie and Mordy, how good it is that you've come home. I warmly embrace you and your families. I congratulate the prime minister and foreign minister and all those who … worked to bring the Oknins home. I thank the Turkish president and his government for the cooperation."

In a statement, the President's Residence noted, "There are many talks with relevant officials behind the scenes."

Addressing the press from the balcony of the couple's Modiin residence, Natalie said, "Thank you to the prime minister and the foreign minister. Thank you to the president of the country. Thank you to everyone in Israel. Thank you to everyone who helped and supported [us]. Thank you to [Modiin] Mayor Hayim Bibas and the Modiin Municipality, the Egged [bus company] family. Thank you to [attorney] Nir Yaslovitzh.

Addressing the press from the entrance to the family's home, the Oknins' daughter Shiraz said, "I want to say thank you. My parents are back, and there is nothing better," their daughter Shiraz said while. "We are excited. I am over the moon in a way I can't even describe. I want to say thank you to the country and the prime minister who didn't leave for a moment. Likewise, to Foreign Minister Lapid, the press, our amazing family who didn't leave us for a second, for everyone's messages …."

"We are so incredibly excited. To see Mom after so much time is not something I take for granted. I also want to thank the Turks, who understood they need to be here. Try to understand that they returned after a period that was not simple at all. We haven't internalized it at all, and it will take time. Be patient, we're having a hard time. We're on a crazy high. Thank you to the country that is the best country in the world."

She noted her younger brother Ofek "only knew they were on a trip. He hasn't left Mom" since they returned, she said.

Speaking to the press outside the couple's home, their attorney said: "There was an arrest, and they checked what needed to be checked. I am a man of the law, an attorney doing his job. The effort was in combination with the diplomatic system. The encounter in prison was very emotional, accompanied by tears. My objective was to bolster them and bring them back to Israel safe and sound – in a good mental state. We were up to the task."

The Oknins learned they would be freed Wednesday afternoon, Israel Hayom has learned.

A senior official confirmed to Israel Hayom that the Mossad intelligence agency had intervened to secure the Oknins' release. At the same time, a senior diplomatic official clarified that "the Turks were not rewarded for the Oknin couple's release."

Talks with the Turks were conducted via several channels in coordination with the Foreign Ministry, the Mossad, and the National Security Council.

According to the prime minister, the family's restraint was really vital" to their release.

The Oknins' departed for Israel once the judge in their case decided to accept their appeal.

"In the end, it's a Kafkaesque story," a diplomatic official said.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

 

 

 

 

 

The post Israeli couple freed from Turkish prison lands in Israel appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/18/israeli-couple-freed-from-turkish-prison-lands-in-israel/feed/
Israel continues intensive efforts to free couple detained in Turkey https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/15/israel-continues-intensive-efforts-to-free-couple-detained-in-turkey/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/15/israel-continues-intensive-efforts-to-free-couple-detained-in-turkey/#respond Mon, 15 Nov 2021 06:39:03 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=717895   Israel on Sunday night continued its intensive diplomatic efforts to secure the release of an Israeli couple being held in Turkey, denying allegations from Turkish state media that the two are spies. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter Mordy and Natalie Oknin were arrested late last Thursday night after taking photographs of Turkish […]

The post Israel continues intensive efforts to free couple detained in Turkey appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
 

Israel on Sunday night continued its intensive diplomatic efforts to secure the release of an Israeli couple being held in Turkey, denying allegations from Turkish state media that the two are spies.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Mordy and Natalie Oknin were arrested late last Thursday night after taking photographs of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's residence in Istanbul from the Camlica Tower, a telecommunications tower with observation decks. According to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu, a Turkish national was also arrested.

Israeli officials have expressed concern that Turkey will try to leverage the recent arrest of an Israeli couple touring the country for political gain.

Although the Turkish press is paying only scant attention to the story, the Erdogan government's history of politically motivated detentions has raised concerns in Israel and elsewhere that the couple could be detained in Turkey for a long period of time, perhaps even years.

"Considering the history of the Erdogan government, which throughout the years has held dozens of citizens of Western countries under false allegations, with the aim of using them as bargaining chips against their governments, the Israeli couple could also become a victim of Turkey's politicized legal system," said Dr. Aykan Erdemir, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who served in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey between 2011 and 2015 as a representative from the pro-secular Republican People's Party.

According to Erdemir, "If Ankara is again pursuing a policy of hostage diplomacy, it won't only harm Israeli-Turkish relations, rather the entire tourism industry in Turkey. The idea that taking photographs of tourist attractions could lead to tourists being put behind bars is frightening for any potential visitor to Turkey."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, April 12, 2021 (AFP/Adem Altan)

Asked by Israel Hayom what he believed to be the motivation behind the arrest of the Israeli couple, Erdemir replied: "Similar to anti-Americanism and anti-Christian sentiments [in previous cases], anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments appear to be behind the arrest of Natalie and Mordy Oknin."

An Israeli diplomatic official said the Turkish authorities have not yet allowed an Israeli consular representative to meet the detained couple. Israeli authorities, meanwhile, were considering issuing a travel warning to Turkey.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement that he had spoken with the family of the two Israelis and updated them on the efforts being made to bring them back to Israel.

The couple, Bennett said, "as has already been emphasized by officials, do not work for any Israeli agency."

"The most senior echelons in Israel dealt with this issue throughout the weekend, led by the Foreign Ministry, and will continue to work tirelessly with the aim of finding a solution as soon as possible," he said.

While it was first believed that the two would be swiftly expelled from Turkey, an Istanbul court on Friday ordered they be remanded for an additional 20 days, pending trial for "political and military espionage."

Bennett on Sunday asked his cabinet ministers to avoid any statements on the matter so that the issue could be properly handled via diplomatic channels. He added that he was working to secure their release "but this is not the time to elaborate on that." He noted that Israel was doing "everything" to bring them home.

The defendants' lawyer, Nir Yaslovizh, who arrived in Istanbul on Friday, called the accusation "preposterous" and blasted the court's "bizarre and unacceptable" remand order.

"They are not spies," he stressed.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid issued a statement over the weekend officially denying that the couple was linked to "any Israeli security agency."

Yaslovizh added that he was receiving the "full cooperation and assistance" of all relevant Israeli ministries.

"Turkish authorities clearly have a different, ludicrous, perception of this case than we do. The court remanded them to allow the Turkish prosecution the time to formulate espionage charges. They have a 20-day deadline, but they can extend it.

"I think what we have seen here is an inconceivable ruling that counters all [international] conventions regarding detention" of foreign nationals, he said.

An unnamed source familiar with the Turkish legal system told Channel 12 News that it was "clear that this was a political, rather than a legal, decision. … It is clear that elements in Erdogan's circle exerted pressure and briefed him as if these were Mossad agents on an Israeli mission."

Erdogan has not publicly commented on the affair and his government has yet to make any demands for the couple's release, but on the other hand, details on the investigation or the reason for the decision to extend the Oknins' remand have been scarce.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

Several Israeli outlets cited Jerusalem sources as saying that the Turkish security establishment was wary of Israelis at this time, given the recent exposure of an alleged Mossad spy ring operating in the country.

Perhaps within that context, Israel's Channel 13 News correspondent Ali Mograbi on Sunday was also detained by Turkish security personnel and asked to stop filming as he covered the story.

Local police asked Mograbi for his journalist's certificate and even ordered him to delete the materials he had photographed.

After he was questioned, Mograbi was released to his hotel and ordered not to leave it.

 

The post Israel continues intensive efforts to free couple detained in Turkey appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/11/15/israel-continues-intensive-efforts-to-free-couple-detained-in-turkey/feed/
Israel-Jordan crisis worsens as Israeli citizen arrested https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/10/30/israel-jordan-crisis-worsens-as-israeli-citizen-arrested/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/10/30/israel-jordan-crisis-worsens-as-israeli-citizen-arrested/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:25:07 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=430083 Jordanian security forces have arrested an Israeli citizen who crossed the border into Jordan illegally, a spokesman for the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said in a Twitter message late Tuesday. "The authorities are handling the matter and the suspect has been taken in for questioning," the message read. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter The […]

The post Israel-Jordan crisis worsens as Israeli citizen arrested appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
Jordanian security forces have arrested an Israeli citizen who crossed the border into Jordan illegally, a spokesman for the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said in a Twitter message late Tuesday.

"The authorities are handling the matter and the suspect has been taken in for questioning," the message read.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

The message went out shortly after Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi recalled its ambassador to Israel, Ghassan Majali, for urgent consultations on the matter of two Jordanians arrested in Israel. Heba Al-Labadi and Abdul Rahman Miri are being held under administrative detention.

Al-Labadi was arrested at the Allenby crossing on August 20 on suspicion of aiding and abetting a terrorist organization, specifically, Hezbollah. Jordanian media reports quoted her relatives denying that she had ever provided Hezbollah with any information. She has been on a hunger strike for over 35 days to protest her arrest.

Heba Al-Labadi

Earlier this week, she was transferred to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa for treatment.

"We hold Israeli government responsible for the lives of our citizens whose health conditions have severely deteriorated in illegal arbitrary detention," he said. "We will take all necessary legal & diplomatic measures to ensure their safe return home."

As of Wednesday morning, the Israeli Foreign Ministry had not responded to the Jordanian reports.

Jordanian parliament member Khalil Attia is demanding that his government refuse to release the Israeli prisoner until Al-Labadi and Miri are freed.

"We support he government and urge it to take this vital step to pressure Israel," Attia said.

The post Israel-Jordan crisis worsens as Israeli citizen arrested appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

]]>
https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/10/30/israel-jordan-crisis-worsens-as-israeli-citizen-arrested/feed/