Israeli Reservist Returns Home After Eight-Month Detention in Thailand

An Israeli reserve soldier returned home Friday after eight months in Thailand, where he was detained after airport inspectors found a loaded ammunition magazine in a borrowed bag during his honeymoon. A Thai court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, then placed him under electronic house arrest while an appeal proceeded. Israeli officials said the appeal resulted in a suspended sentence after coordinated intervention by the prime minister, president, foreign minister, hostage coordinator, embassy and security officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the soldier and his wife after their arrival and thanked both for hundreds of reserve-service days.