Elizabeth Tsurkov’s release sparks debate over prisoner swaps and US withdrawal from Iraq—the details

News Bulletin Reports
10-09-2025 | 12:55
High views
Share
LBCI
Share
LBCI
Whatsapp
facebook
Twitter
Messenger
telegram
telegram
print
Elizabeth Tsurkov’s release sparks debate over prisoner swaps and US withdrawal from Iraq—the details
Whatsapp
facebook
Twitter
Messenger
telegram
telegram
print
2min
Elizabeth Tsurkov’s release sparks debate over prisoner swaps and US withdrawal from Iraq—the details

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar
A state of ambiguity and contradictions prevailed in Tel Aviv as it awaited the return of Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, after two and a half years in Hezbollah captivity in Iraq.

Some Israeli sources claimed that Tel Aviv had not exchanged Tsurkov for prisoners in its custody, while others said her release came in return for the release of six prisoners held in Israel.

Among them was Lebanese national Captain Imad Mhanna, who was captured on November 2 of last year during a commando operation in Batroun.

Between these accounts, however, reports indicated that Tsurkov was freed under broader conditions, including facilitating the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq without combat and sparing Iraq further conflict, according to a Hezbollah Iraq source quoted by Agence France-Presse.
Shortly before Tsurkov’s arrival, she received a call from Israel’s official in charge of the prisoners and missing persons file, Gal Hirsch.

A reception ceremony was held similar to those organized for prisoners previously released by Hamas. The U.S. role in the operation was also a subject of widespread analysis.
 
By securing Tsurkov’s release, Tel Aviv is seeking to claim an achievement in the complex prisoners’ file and project that it can impose its conditions across multiple arenas and issues.

News Bulletin Reports

Middle East News

Israel

Iraq

US

Release

Hostage

LBCI Next
2025 in Lebanon: LBCI reflects on a year of challenges, coverage, and coexistence
Recommended For You
d-none hideMe
LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
13:56

Conflict with Lebanon and Iran tests Israel’s military readiness and diplomacy

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
2026-03-14

International mediation targets ceasefire as Israel-Lebanon talks loom

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
2026-03-14

US, France push for Israel-Lebanon talks as Israel prepares possible ground operation: The details

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
2026-03-13

The future of aid: Lebanon faces new war and displacement crisis

Subscribe to our VOD
SUBSCRIBE
Our visitors readings
d-none hideMe
LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-03-11

Israeli army issues urgent evacuation warning for six villages in South Lebanon

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-03-11

17 wounded in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs

LBCI
Lebanon News
04:52

Israel renews call for evacuation of Beirut's southern suburbs

LBCI
World News
2026-01-09

Kyiv says Russia hit two cargo vessels in Black Sea, Syrian crew member killed

Videos
d-none hideMe
LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-03-08

At least 19 killed after strike destroys three-story building in Sir el-Gharbiyeh: Video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-03-06

Israeli airstrike targets Beirut’s southern suburbs: Video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-03-05

Intense consecutive airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs: Video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-03-05

Israeli army launches evening airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs after evacuation warning

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-03-02

Smoke rises over Beirut’s southern suburbs as Israel targets area: Video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-02-16

German President Steinmeier meets Lebanon's President Aoun at Baabda Palace—Video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-02-14

Future Movement supporters mark Rafic Hariri anniversary, call for Saad Hariri's return to politics

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-02-01

Israel strikes vehicle in Doueir-Wadi Aaba in South Lebanon—Video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2026-01-29

Berri halts live broadcast amid parliament salary dispute

Most read
d-none hideMe
24 hours
7 days
Month
LBCI
Lebanon News
16:11

'No French plan' to stop war in Lebanon: Foreign ministry

LBCI
Lebanon News
16:34

Hezbollah says engaged in 'direct clashes' with Israeli forces in South Lebanon

LBCI
Lebanon News
15:10

Israeli airstrike hits Beirut’s southern suburbs

LBCI
Lebanon News
10:29

Ansar municipality orders temporary evacuation amid safety concerns

LBCI
Lebanon News
04:52

Israel renews call for evacuation of Beirut's southern suburbs

LBCI
Middle East News
09:17

Hezbollah says fired 'advanced missile' at Israeli air base south of Tel Aviv

LBCI
Middle East News
06:20

Israel does not plan to hold direct talks with the Lebanese government in the coming days: FM

LBCI
Lebanon News
08:55

Hamas official killed in Israel strike in South Lebanon's Sidon: Group source to AFP

Download now the LBCI mobile app
To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world
Google Play
App Store
Download now the LBCI mobile app
We use
cookies
We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.
Accept
Learn More