Turkey Releases Israeli Couple after Taking Photos of Erdogan's Residence

Turkey released on Thursday an Israeli couple who had been suspected of filming President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's residence in Istanbul.

The state-run Anadolu news agency said Natalie and Mordi Oknin were arrested on November 9., along with a Turk, who was also arrested on charges of espionage.

"The two, drivers at Israel's largest bus company, were on vacation," Their family said. Sources said Israel sent a senior envoy to Turkey to request the release of the couple.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett later spoke with Erdogan, the first conversation between Turkish and Israeli leaders since 2013, and thanked Erdogan for helping to resolve the issue.