Lebanon: 'Israeli surrendered to Red Cross'
Lebanese media says Simon Saadati released by LAF, to be returned to Israel Sunday morning. Israeli sources confirm report
An Israeli citizen who crossed the border into Lebanon earlier this week and has been held there by local intelligence services has been surrendered to the Red Cross, Lebanon's LBC Channel reported.
Israeli sources confirmed the report and added that Simon Saadati is scheduled to return to Israel early Sunday morning via Rosh Hanikra.
Related stories:
- Missing Israeli's family anxiously awaits his return
- Report: Israeli held in Egypt photographed security sites
- Egypt nabs Israeli for arms smuggling
Saadati, 33, from Ramla, crossed the border on Wednesday morning. Several hours later Lebanon's Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen TV reported that the Lebanese army was interrogating the Israeli in Tyre and had conducted a psychological examination.
According to the report, Saadati was questioned in Hebrew by a Lebanese officer. On Saturday, LBC reported that a Lebanese military court had decided to release him after four days in custody.
He is said to be in good health and will be returned to Israel after his identity is confirmed.
Saadati's family said he has a long history of hospitalizations related to his mental state. According to his mother, he is mentally ill.
Mordechai Shushan, Saadati's friend, describes him as a wise and kind man who can be "trusted with money and various tasks" but also as extremely troubled.
"He often told me he wants to fight Hezbollah or go to China," he said. Saadati had until recently been employed by Shushan at a kiosk. "I gave him work to keep him occupied."
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
