Tourists Who Photographed Erdogan's Residence Released from Jail and Sent to Israel

Israeli citizens Natali and Mordi Okhin, who were arrested last week in Istanbul for taking a picture of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's residence, have been released from a Turkish prison and are returning home. This was announced on Thursday by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

"As a result of joint efforts with Turkey, Mordi and Natali Okhin have been released from prison and are heading to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid expressed gratitude to the Turkish President and his government for their cooperation and eagerly await the opportunity to welcome the couple back home," the statement reads.

On November 15, Lapid noted that Israel was actively engaged in the issue of the couple's release from Turkey. The day before, during the weekly government meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that Natali and Mordi are innocent.

According to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, a Turkish court had arrested the Israeli couple on November 12 for photographing Erdogan's residence from a telecommunications tower observation deck in Istanbul.