The Israeli Foreign Ministry said on X that it had met with the members of the Bi-2 band, who were previously detained in Thailand and subsequently deported. The ministry noted that the meeting took place amid ongoing efforts to protect the welfare of musicians caught in international disputes and to ensure their safe return home.
According to the ministry, the Bi-2 group, one of the leading Russian-speaking rock acts, returned after being detained in Thailand. The message stated that the ministry was glad to help bring the musicians to Israel, where they faced the risk of extradition to Russia and a lengthy prison sentence. The claim emphasized that music has the power to prevail even in difficult situations.
The ministry highlighted Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens and those who seek refuge within its borders, noting that its effort was part of a broader policy to ensure that no individual is left at the mercy of international legal mechanisms alone.
Earlier, arrangements involving Thai authorities and Israeli officials led to a formal agreement on deportation. A drummer, two guitarists, a keyboardist, and an arranger from the Bi-2 rock band were among those who were allowed to travel to Israel. The process involved coordination with immigration authorities in Thailand and the relevant Israeli agencies to facilitate this movement.
Reports from late January indicated that three members holding Russian citizenship faced potential deportation arrangements, with Russia identified as the possible destination. Additional individuals connected to the group held Israeli passports, complicating the diplomatic and legal landscape surrounding the case. By the end of January, the lead singer of the Leva group, Yegor Bortnik, who has been identified in Russia as a foreign agent, arrived in Israel as part of the broader movement associated with the Bi-2 musicians.
Observers have described the sequence as a high-stakes diplomatic scenario involving multiple jurisdictions. An analyst previously familiar with the matter provided details about the deportation and the roles of various officials in both Israel and Russia. The overall situation underscores how international cultural figures can become entwined in complex legal and political processes, and it highlights Israel’s approach to safeguarding artists who face potential persecution abroad. The ongoing developments are being tracked by observers who emphasize the resilience of artistic communities and the importance of cross-border support in protecting creative expression.
In summary, the Bi-2 musicians’ travel to Israel followed a chain of diplomatic steps aimed at preventing extradition and ensuring their safety. The incident has drawn attention to how states balance legal obligations with humanitarian considerations, and it illustrates the role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts that touch the realm of culture and international relations. Attribution: ministry statements and contemporary coverage from regional media outlets.