End of the affair:
Natalie and the Oknin rebels returned this morning (Thursday) to their home in Modiin at the end of their secret release operation.
"Thank you to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State," Natalie and Mordi said from the balcony of their home.
"Thank you to the President of the State, thank you to all the people of Israel. Thank you to everyone who helped and supported. Thank you to Mayor Haim Bibbs and the Modiin Municipality. To the Egged family, thank you to Nir Jaslovitch."
"There was an arrest and they checked what needed to be checked," said Adv. Nir Jaslovitch at the entrance to the Oknin family. "I am a lawyer, a lawyer who does his job. The effort was combined with the political system. "We had to strengthen them and return them safely to Israel - in a good mental state. We were up to the task."
Natalie and Moti Oknin returned to their home in Modi'in for a warm welcome / Photo: Yoni Rickner
As you may recall, the affair began last Tuesday - when the couple were arrested due to alleged footage of the Turkish president's residence in Istanbul from the city's communications tower.
Mordi was then transferred to a prison in the Altape district on the Asian side of Istanbul, while Natalie was taken into custody in the women's prison on the European side.
On Friday morning their detention was extended while yesterday afternoon the Turkish judge approved their release.
"Welcome back to Israel!", Said President Yitzhak Herzog.
"Natalie and Mordi - how good it is that you came home. Warmly embrace you and your family. Congratulations to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and all those involved in the redemption work that is forbidden to bring the Oknin couple home. I thank the President of Turkey and his government for their cooperation."