LBCI

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

News Bulletin Reports

10-09-2025 | 11:55

Share

Share

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

2^min

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

Next

Arida school in ruins after Israeli strike, leaving 250 Lebanese students without classes

Lebanon looks to boost tourism and economy with Jounieh harbor revival

Previous

Recommended For You

Leaked Epstein correspondence shows politically sensitive links resurfacing ahead of US elections

News Bulletin Reports

13:05

Leaked Epstein correspondence shows politically sensitive links resurfacing ahead of US elections

Israel revives Elias Hasrouni's case with new accusation against Hezbollah’s Unit 121 — the details

News Bulletin Reports

13:00

Israel revives Elias Hasrouni's case with new accusation against Hezbollah’s Unit 121 — the details

Expert assessment: Lebanon's iconic Jeita Grotto cleared for reentry, new restrictions ahead

News Bulletin Reports

2025-11-14

Expert assessment: Lebanon's iconic Jeita Grotto cleared for reentry, new restrictions ahead

Northern front on alert: Israel adjusts strategy along Lebanon border

News Bulletin Reports

2025-11-14

Northern front on alert: Israel adjusts strategy along Lebanon border

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

US envoy Tom Barrack says Hezbollah is rebuilding its strength, Lebanese government must disarm it

2025-09-22

US envoy Tom Barrack says Hezbollah is rebuilding its strength, Lebanese government must disarm it

Tannourine questions accuracy of Health Ministry's test results, denies any contamination

2025-10-14

Tannourine questions accuracy of Health Ministry's test results, denies any contamination

UNIFIL condemns Israeli incursion in Blida, urges restraint

2025-10-30

UNIFIL condemns Israeli incursion in Blida, urges restraint

UN peacekeepers say Israel built walls inside Lebanon

2025-11-14

UN peacekeepers say Israel built walls inside Lebanon

Videos

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

2025-10-04

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

2025-10-02

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

2025-09-07

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Speaker Berri faults Cabinet over election law, says vote will proceed on time

1

Speaker Berri faults Cabinet over election law, says vote will proceed on time

Lebanon to file urgent UN complaint over Israeli border wall beyond Blue Line

2

Lebanon to file urgent UN complaint over Israeli border wall beyond Blue Line

Economy Minister Amer Bisat tells LBCI: “Beirut 1” conference signals renewed Arab engagement

3

Economy Minister Amer Bisat tells LBCI: “Beirut 1” conference signals renewed Arab engagement

Leaked Epstein correspondence shows politically sensitive links resurfacing ahead of US elections

4

Leaked Epstein correspondence shows politically sensitive links resurfacing ahead of US elections

Israel revives Elias Hasrouni's case with new accusation against Hezbollah’s Unit 121 — the details

5

Israel revives Elias Hasrouni's case with new accusation against Hezbollah’s Unit 121 — the details

President Trump says considering Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase US fighter jets

6

President Trump says considering Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase US fighter jets

Trump: We will conduct nuclear weapons tests like other countries

7

Trump: We will conduct nuclear weapons tests like other countries

Iran confirms seizure of tanker carrying petrochemical cargo

8

Iran confirms seizure of tanker carrying petrochemical cargo

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