Venezuela Frees Israeli Prisoner Yaakov Harari After Year in Detention

Yaakov Harari, a 72‑year‑old Israeli‑Argentinian man, has been released from a Venezuelan prison and safely returned to Israel after more than a year of detention, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Tuesday. Harari’s release marks the end of a harrowing ordeal that drew international diplomatic coordination and widespread support.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Harari and his daughters after his arrival home, offering congratulations and gratitude to all those who helped in the complex effort to secure his freedom. The prime minister specifically acknowledged the work of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the Mossad, and the Hostages and Missing Persons Coordinator Brig.‑Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch. Netanyahu also thanked the United States, Germany, Austria, and Italy for their assistance in facilitating Harari’s return.

Harari had been arrested in late 2024 while in Venezuela and held in Caracas including at the Internado Judicial Rodeo I prison alongside other Western detainees. Venezuelan authorities accused him of being among 125 “foreign mercenaries” allegedly involved in sabotage and destabilization, charges strongly denied by Israeli officials.

During his imprisonment, Harari endured harsh conditions, limited medical care, and psychological pressure, according to reports on his release. Guards reportedly even used misinformation about his family to break his spirit at times. Despite these difficulties, Harari maintained hope of returning home, encouraged by his loved ones’ efforts and Israel’s persistent diplomatic outreach.

His release appears to be part of a broader gesture by Venezuelan authorities, who freed dozens of political prisoners amid shifting political dynamics and international pressure, including actions involving the United States.

Venezuela has not had diplomatic relations with Israel since 2009, and Israeli officials have long warned citizens who are not Venezuelan nationals against travel there due to safety risks.

Harari’s return to Israel is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by citizens detained abroad and the power of coordinated international diplomacy to bring them home.

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