Home at Last: Israeli Freed from Year-Long Captivity in Lebanon
Israeli citizen Salah Abu-Hussein returns home after being held in Lebanon for nearly a year, following successful negotiations facilitated by the Red Cross and Israeli officials.
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After nearly a year in detention in Lebanon, Israeli citizen Salah Abu-Hussein was returned to Israel on this Thursday, following months of intensive negotiations facilitated by the Red Cross.
The return of Abu-Hussein was coordinated by Israel’s Coordinator for Prisoners and Missing Persons, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch. Upon crossing into Israel via the Rosh HaNikra border point, Abu-Hussein underwent initial medical screening and questioning. He was then transferred to a hospital for comprehensive examinations before reuniting with his family.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the citizen’s return, expressing gratitude to all involved in the effort, particularly Brig. Gen. (Res.) Hirsch. “This is a positive step and a sign of things to come,” the Prime Minister’s office said.
Abu-Hussein had been held in Lebanon since July 2024. Israeli authorities emphasized that the circumstances of his detention remain under investigation, and clarified that no exchange of prisoners or concessions were made for his release.
This case highlights Israel’s ongoing commitment to securing the safe return of its citizens held abroad and the critical role of international mediation in resolving such situations.