Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today the safe return of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli citizen who had been abducted in Iraq in March 2023.

The Prime Minister emphasized that her release was the result of months of coordinated efforts, led by Hostages and Missing Persons Coordinator Gal Hirsch and involving multiple national and international actors. Netanyahu praised the persistence and dedication that ultimately secured Tsurkov’s freedom.

In an emotional update, Netanyahu shared that he had personally spoken with Tsurkov’s mother and sisters, Avital and Elizabeth, shortly after her return. He described the conversation as deeply moving, noting that “all of Israel is happy to see her back home.”

Netanyahu reaffirmed the government’s broader commitment to the return of all Israeli hostages. He stated:

“We will continue to fight with courage and determination until we bring all our hostages home—both the living and the fallen.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks reflect not only relief and national pride in Tsurkov’s release but also a continued resolve to address the plight of other Israeli citizens held captive abroad.