Looking back, most would agree that Hamas taught Israel a lesson in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal. Now, once again, Hamas appears to be preparing to extort the maximum from Israel again as in recent days it has signaled it has body party from IDF soldiers Oron Shaul HY”D and Hadar Goldin HY”D. Hamas officials are signaling that if Israel wishes any additional information it will have to pay to receive it.

The soldiers HY”D fell in the line of duty in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge. Needless to say Israeli officials have promised the bereaved families they would do everything possible to recover the remains of the soldiers for kvura in Israel.

The psychological warfare and gimmicks began last week as Hamas began airing reports it may have more than Israel realizes regarding the remains of the soldiers. Some of the Hamas statements that Israeli reports that there are only limited body parts remaining are untrue, seeking to discredit IDF and state officials and inflict emotional pain on the families.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)