Ouda Tarabin (left) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the former was freed from Egyptian prison. Credit: GPO.

JNS.org – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shed light on the recent prisoner exchange that saw Israeli citizen Ouda Tarabin released from an Egyptian prison and returned to Israel after a 15-year incarceration.

Speaking at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu said he “gave my word [to Egypt] that [Tarabin] did not spy for Israel,” thereby ensuring his release.

Tarabin, an Israeli Bedouin from the city of Rahat in southern Israel, was released after completing his 15-year sentence for espionage.

“I worked with three Egyptian presidents—[Hosni] Mubarak, [Mohamed] Morsi, and [current President Abdel-Fattah] El-Sisi—in efforts to get him out,” Netanyahu said. “A year and a half ago I sent attorney Isaac Molho, my emissary, to ensure that [Tarabin] is released on time. In exchange, we agreed to release six Egyptian prisoners—three who have completed their sentences and three others that did not commit security-related crimes.”

“I am pleased that [Tarabin] is back with us. The state of Israel takes care of all its citizens, without exception,” added Netanyahu.