Secret Rescue in Turkey: Israeli Woman Extracted From House Arrest After IDF Service Sparks Political Storm

The release of Jessica Bachar, a 28-year-old from central Israel who was returned home from Turkish captivity after two months of house arrest for previously serving in the IDF, following a covert diplomatic and security operation that secured her release, B’Chadrei Charedim reported Wednesday.

Bachar, born in Turkey and who immigrated to Israel at 17, was freed after sustained pressure from Israeli officials and involvement from the U.S. government.

The incident began in mid-February, when Islamist groups launched an online campaign targeting Bachar over her past service in the Israel Defense Forces. The groups circulated images of her in uniform and called for action against her, framing her military service as grounds for arrest.

Following the arrest, Israeli political figures mounted significant diplomatic pressure on Turkey to secure her release. After complex behind-the-scenes efforts, Bachar was extracted from the country in a covert operation and flown back to Israel under heavy security. Her exit was routed through a third country to reduce risk and ensure her safe release after the prolonged detention and public backlash

Bachar had traveled to Turkey to visit family, but her visit quickly escalated into a public controversy after what appeared to be a coordinated effort to identify Israeli citizens with dual nationality who had served in the IDF. Her personal details, including her parents’ address in Turkey, were also published online.

They appealed to the authorities with a formal demand to take action against her and expel her from the country. About two weeks later, Bachar was arrested on suspicion of committing the offense of “serving in a foreign army” and placed under strict house arrest in Istanbul, while details of the case were relayed to officials in Jerusalem.