It has been nine days since Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel and Eyal Yifrach were abducted by Hamas terrorists from Alon Shvut Junction in Gush Etzion.

The search continues in areas of Yehuda and Shomron

Close to 15,000 IDF soldiers have been coming areas of Yehuda and Shomron, concentrating on the PA (Palestinian Authority) occupied areas of Hebron, leaving no stone unturned. Close to four hundred terrorists have been arrested in the hope of obtaining leads that will permit ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) and military intelligence experts to piece together the pieces of the puzzle. Most of the detainees were arrested to pressure Hamas and to use as negotiating pawns towards getting back the captive youths. 18 terrorists were arrested in Hebron over Shabbos.

After an arrest in Jenin over the weekend by Givati soldiers, Lt.-Colonel Liran Hajbi said “In essence the search is focusing on Hebron and the surrounding area but one cannot rule out that the golden bit of information may become from intelligence obtained from detainees from Jenin”.

Intelligence communities working to piece the puzzle together

Simultaneously, the IDF, ISA and Israel Police continue to receive information, working to piece together the puzzle that will lead to the captives. Unfortunately, the experts seem to be in agreement, that with each passing day, the chances of finding the boys diminish.

Thinking out of the box

There are also special intelligence teams instructed to think out of the box, to theorize the bizarre and unlikely. One of the theories is that while the 15,000 soldiers search for the captives, they are being held deep underground waiting for the IDF operation to end. Then, and only then, a video will be released announcing the terrorists’ demands. Clearly, Israel has unfortunately gathered too much experience in this area and the experts are pondering every eventuality, albeit rare is this information shared with the public.

Checking Pits and wadis in Yehuda & Shomron

The IDF called in a special Yehuda and Shomron special rescue unit which began checking down in pits and other secluded areas. These forces, attached to Yehuda & Shomron Fire Service, used four-wheel drive and special vehicles to get into wadis and other inaccessible areas.

Gaza: Rocket Attacks into Southern Israel continued on Shabbos

In Gaza, the daily rocket fire into southern Israel continued on Shabbos and motzei Shabbos. B’chasdei Hashem there are no reports of fatalities or injuries. Rockets landed in the Shar HaNegev Regional Council.

Mekubal Rav Addis Hospitalized

After observing a series of fast days last week and tefilos for the captives, Rabbi Yaakov Addis was hospitalized on erev Shabbos after collapsing at the Kosel. Persons close to him assisted in caring for him and they told EMS responders the rav did not require hospitalization. The rav’s condition appeared to worsen as Shabbos drew near and it was decided to transport him to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. He was severely dehydrated. Reports from the hospital state he is in good/stable condition.

Rav Addis with Rav Yitzhak Yosef Shlita and Rav Reuven Elbaz Shlita:

PM Netanyahu visits the families

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara visited with the families on erev Shabbos, seeking to give them a chizuk, telling them that bringing the boys home remains the number one priority.

Names for Tehillim:

1. Yaakov Naftali ben Rachel Devorah

2. Gilad Michael ben Bat Galim

3. Eyal ben Iris Teshurah

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)