JERUSALEM (JTA) — Four Israeli diplomats and security personnel have returned to Israel’s embassy in Cairo after being evacuated as rioters stormed the building.
The envoys — a consul, an adviser and the chief of security and his deputy, according to reports — returned to Cairo to a new building and will deal only with low-level issues in an effort to retain Israel’s diplomatic presence in Egypt, Ynet reported.
They left nearly two weeks ago after Egyptian demonstrators stormed Israel’s embassy in Cairo, necessitating the emergency rescue of its staff by Egyptian commandos.
Ambassador Yitzhak Levanon is not returning to Egypt at this time, Ynet reported.
The envoys’ return comes amid reports by the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram that the protesters were paid to attack the embassy.
Protesters questioned by Egyptian security reportedly said they were offered money to whip up the riots. The participants were bused to the area, then given dinner and envelopes containing money, according to the newspaper.
