Yaakov Harari, a 72‑year‑old dual Israeli‑Argentinian citizen, is finally home in Israel after 496 days in a Venezuelan prison, state officials and family members confirmed. The long‑awaited return in mid‑January marked the end of a harrowing ordeal that drew international diplomatic involvement and intense efforts by Israeli authorities.
Harari was detained in October 2024 after crossing into Venezuela from Colombia for business and was accused by the Maduro regime of being a “foreign mercenary,” a charge he and his family vehemently denied. Throughout his imprisonment in the notorious El Rodeo I facility, Harari endured harsh conditions, limited medical care and no formal legal process, according to reports.
Homecoming
On Tuesday afternoon, Harari touched down at Ben‑Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, where he was greeted by family and government representatives after his release. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Harari and his daughters following his arrival, expressing relief and gratitude that he had returned safely. Netanyahu pledged support for Harari’s recovery and thanked all those involved in securing his release.
President Isaac Herzog also welcomed Harari back, emphasizing that the state stood by him during his long separation from family and through the “terrible suffering” he endured.
Behind the scenes: Diplomatic efforts
Harari’s freedom was secured as part of a Venezuelan “goodwill gesture” toward the United States after the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by American forces. In addition to Harari’s release, Venezuelan authorities freed more than 100 other prisoners in what was described by Caracas as a diplomatic overture.
The Israeli government’s Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, worked closely with international partners to bring Harari home. Officials acknowledged assistance from the United States, Germany, Austria and Italy in facilitating his return.
Harari’s story: Survival and gratitude
Upon his return, Harari shared that he never lost faith that he would one day be reunited with his family. “I believed all along that I would come home,” he told Israeli media, expressing appreciation for his loved ones’ relentless efforts. He denied any ties to military or security matters, calling himself “just a simple businessman.”
His daughters publicly thanked the State of Israel, its emissaries, and the broader Jewish community for their support and persistence throughout his incarceration.
A symbol of persistence
Harari’s release and return come amid a period of intense geopolitical shifts in Venezuela following Maduro’s arrest. His case highlighted the challenges faced by Israeli citizens abroad, especially in countries with no formal diplomatic ties, and underscored the extensive diplomatic coordination sometimes required to secure their freedom.
While Harari begins the transition back to normal life, Israel’s leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and retrieving citizens wherever they are, no matter how complex the circumstances.
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