Wednesday, 27 Sivan 5774 marks day 13 of Operation Brothers Return, the ongoing IDF operation to locate the captives abducted by Hamas terrorists from Alon Shvut Junction on Thursday night the eve of 15 Sivan.

IDF soldiers taking part in the operation during the night arrested 17 suspects throughout Yehuda and Shomron. Among the suspects in custody is a Hamas member of parliament, Ibrahim Tafish Tiyuq. Soldiers met with violence in Tulkarem. There were no injuries among soldiers.

The operation is continuing while officials indicate the number of arrests is diminishing by the day. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated this week the search, which is now concentrated northwest of Hebron, will continue until the captives are located.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz stated “we are in the midst of the operation. We are planning to continue the operation in the hope of finding the captives and bringing them home as well as apprehending the terrorists. We will continue operating as required”.

The commander has been traveling around to get a first-hand look at the operation, reporting the soldiers involved remain highly motivated and dedicated to the mission, to bring the boys home.

Names for Tehillim:

1. Yaakov Naftali ben Rachel Devorah

2. Gilad Michael ben Bat Galim

3. Eyal ben Iris Teshurah

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)