Yotam Feldman, the Israeli journalist who was arrested in Egypt while trying to infiltrate the border into Israel together with Africa migrants, was questioned by the Egyptian military prosecutor's office, and may be tried by the country's military tribunal, an El-Arish security official told the AFP.
After his arrest, Feldman was questioning by military detectives in El-Arish, since the Egyptian authorities were not satisfied with the explanation he provided in his interrogation regarding the circumstances that led to his actions.
Feldman was transferred from Rafah to El-Arish with his hands cuffed and under heavy security. Egyptian media reported that his spirits were high and that he hoped to visit the tourist sites in Cairo at the end of his trial.
Eyewitnesses said Feldman ate falafel, foul and potatoes, bought for him by the Egyptian soldiers guarding him and the Ghanaian detainee. According to reports, the Israeli journalist said he was pleased with the treatment he was getting in Egyptian custody.
Meanwhile, he was brought before the military prosecution, but his interrogation was postponed until an interpreter can be found. According to estimates, Feldman will be put on probation, slapped with a fine, and deported to Israel.
The Egyptian military prosecutor's office will decide on the fate of the journalist, who was sent to Egypt on assignment for Channel 10. An Egyptian security official said the Israeli did not have any identification or money at the time of his arrest.
He told police he was a journalist preparing a report on African migrants infiltrating Israel. A Ghanaian citizen was also detained along with Feldman. The Egyptian source said the rest of the infiltrators managed to flee.
Channel 10 said in response: "Yotam Feldman traveled to Egypt to prepare an investigative report on the trend of refugees infiltrating into Israel for the show 'Hamakor' (The Source). Channel 10 News is in contact with military and Foreign Ministry officials to bring him back to Israel safe and sound."