ICRC returns Daif to Israel from Lebanon

Arab-Israeli released 6 months after accidentally swimming across the northern border, being detained in Lebanon.

Israel-Lebanon border 370 (photo credit: REUTERS/Karamallah Daher)
Israel-Lebanon border 370
(photo credit: REUTERS/Karamallah Daher)
The International Committee of the Red Cross transferred Ahmed Jamal Daif from Lebanon to Israel on Thursday. Daif, an Israeli citizen from Ara, was detained by Lebanese security forces after accidentally swam into Lebanese waters last September.
Upon his return to Israel, Daif was taken for questioning and a medical evaluation. He did not have the opportunity to meet with his family members who had waited for him at the border before being whisked off by security officials.
Deputy Regional Development Minister Ayoub Kara, who was involved in negotiating Daif's return, told Israel Radio that Daif would return home later this evening after an initial round of questioning.
On Wednesday, MK Ahmed Tibi (United Arab List-Ta’al) spoke with the family, Ashams reported, welcoming the news of Daif's expected return.
Herb Keinon contributed to this report.