Schori on motorcycle
Israeli held for swimming into Egypt
Man swims from Eilat into Egyptian waters just day after another man crosses border on motorbike
A 44-year old man crossed the Israel-Egypt border Sunday and was arrested by Egyptian police, just a day after Sagi Schori, of Kadesh Barnea in southern Israel, mistakenly crossed into Sinai on his motorbike.
The man, who is known by authorities to be mentally ill, was swimming off the Eilat coast when he crossed into Egypt's territorial waters. Diplomatic and military officials are currently negotiating his release.
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Ilana Curiel
Man who mistakenly crossed into Sinai on motorcycle is immediately taken in for questioning
Meanwhile Schori's friends and family await his return. He has been held by Egyptian police since Saturday morning, but Ramat Negev Council head Shmulik Rifman says he hopes he will be returned to Israeli by Monday. Rifman added that if he is not released by then, more diplomatic pressure should be applied by Israel.
Rifman visited Ravit Schori Sunday as she awaited her husband's return along with their son. Residents of Kadesh Barnea say they have been comforting her and making sure she is never alone.
Schori crossed into Sinai on his motorcycle Saturday near Nahal Lavan, where no fence exists to mark the border, and apparently crossed the route winding along the border on the Egyptian side. He was armed with a handgun.
Many of the town's residents say that if Schori is not returned soon they plan to take action in order to speed up the process, such as the organization of a border protest.
Roni Sofer contributed to this report
