Israeli couple, arrested for taking photo of Erdogan's palace, set free from Turkish jail

Jerusalem: A married Israeli couple, put in custody in Turkey last week for taking a photo of the palace of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, has been released from prison, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Thursday.

The two Israelis were arrested on suspicion of espionage after taking a photo of Erdogan's palace, which they then sent to a family chat on WhatsApp with the caption "what a beautiful house." Lapid has firmly denied the accusations that the couple worked for intelligence.

"Israeli citizens Natalie and Mordi Oknin have been released from prison as a result of joint efforts with Turkey," Bennett and Lapid said in a joint statement on Twitter.

They also thanked Erdogan and his government for cooperation in the couple's release, the statement read.

In the meantime, the Israelis have returned to their homeland, according to Bennett. (UNI)