Arab-Israeli tourist from Nazareth kidnapped in Sinai

According to reports, the Israeli tourist was abducted with a Norwegian woman.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirms that an Israeli citizen was kidnapped in the Sinai, & are in contact with Egyptian authorities.

 

An Israeli tourist and was kidnapped in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula along with an European tourist, Egyptian media reported Friday morning.

An archive photo of an Egyptian Bedouin waiting for tourists in Sharm el-Sheikh.

An archive photo of an Egyptian Bedouin waiting for tourists in Sharm el-Sheikh. Photo by Bloomberg

According to the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram, an Arab-Israeli man and a Norwegian woman were kidnapped as they were traveling between two beach resorts in Sinai.

There were conflicting reports as to the nationality of the woman. Other media outlets said the woman was Belgian or Swedish.

Police said, according to Al-Ahram, that armed men intercepted the tourists’ car between Nuweiba and Dahab, and forced them into a small truck at gunpoint.

The report added that police suspect the abduction was done in an attempt to push police into releasing someone who was previously arrested for drug possession.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed early Friday afternoon that an Israeli citizen has indeed been kidnapped in Sinai. The ministry added that it is in contact with the Israeli citizen’s family and is corresponding with the Egyptian government via diplomatic and military channels.

 

View original HAARETZ publication at: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-tourist-kidnapped-in-egypt-s-sinai-peninsula-1.511366