Netanyahu phones family of Elizabeth Tsurkov, says ‘great efforts’ were made to secure her release

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the family of Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli researcher who was kidnapped in Iraq two years ago and freed today, he says in a statement.

“Through teamwork led by Hostage and Missing Persons Coordinator Gal Hirsch, which lasted many long months and after great efforts, we succeeded in bringing about her release,” says Netanyahu.

“This evening I spoke with Emma and Avital her sisters, and in the emotional conversation I told them that all of Israel is happy to see her back home,” he continues.

“We will continue to fight with strength and determination until we bring all of our hostages back home — both the living and the fallen,” he says, referring to the 48 hostages still held in Gaza.

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