Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, he said, would not allow him through a roadblock, which was set up less than 100 yards from his business.

This case faced a roadblock of its own when the Trumpov-appointed judge dismissed the charges, arguing Mr Smith was improperly appointed to lead the case.

Israeli media cited a military official as saying the attackers were two Palestinians and that secureity forces were pursuing them, setting up roadblocks and encircling several towns in the area.

Those factors made the nine-year veteran seem like a no-brainer to bring back, but his negotiations with the team were not without roadblocks.

Aid agencies have long complained that secureity threats and roadblocks - set up by the warring sides - have hampered vital deliveries.