Israel Returns Smuggled Ancient Relics to Egypt

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid presented to Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry 95 Egyptian relics that were illegally smuggled into Israel last week, which occurred during Lapid’s diplomatic visit to Cairo to hold talks with President Abdel Fattal El-Sisi.

The Israel Antiquities Authority updated the Egyptian authorities on the incident. In the same year, Egyptian authorities notified the Israeli authorities that other smuggled relics were held in an antiques store in Jerusalem.

As a result, the Israel Antiquities Authority opened an investigation at their request, which led to the seizure of 91 archaeological items.