Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it had fired 50 rockets towards the Kiryat Ata settlement, and 80 missiles towards the city of Safed, both in northern Israel.

Mr Elkadi told his relatives "about difficult days, a very cruel captivity", Ata Abu Medigam, ex-mayor of the southern Israeli town of Rahat, told Israel's Haaretz newspaper.

He also served on the board of the Assn. of Talent Agents for almost three decades, and was president of the ATA for more than a decade.

“Throughout Sandy’s remarkable tenure, as a friend and leader, he demonstrated unparalleled dedication and visionary leadership, guiding the association through a period of significant growth and transformation,” ATA’s Executive Director Karen Stuart said Thursday in a statement.

“Under his stewardship, ATA expanded its reach and influence. Sandy’s unwavering commitment to the talent agency profession were instrumental in advancing the interests of our members and elevating the industry as a whole,” Stuart continued.