IDF Major-General Elazar Stern, who heads the Human Resources Branch of the military, was expected to step down after 32 years of service earlier this week but he requested a number of extra days to complete dealing with the return of the bodies of soldiers Regev and Goldwasser, as well as the funerals and assisting the bereaved families. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi approved the request.

Stern two years ago was responsible to inform both families that their sons were taken captive and he felt compelled to personally deal with the final chapter in the case.

In the coming days, a date will be selected for an official ceremony replacing Stern.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)