After the report of two Israelis being held in Gaza, MK (Bayit Yehudi) Moti Yogev, a retired IDF colonel, tells Kippa News on Thursday 22 Tammuz that he believes the State of Israel is doing its utmost to obtain their release. He adds “We mustn’t permit blackmail that will lead to the release of heinous terrorists”.

He adds that if indeed publicizing the incidents would endanger the captives, then it was correct to maintain the media blackout. “At times there is good reason to maintain silence, for personal or perhaps security reasons. The captives are reportedly persons who are not totally mentally healthy, and therefore we do not have to probe why they crossed the border. In addition, it is entirely possible the reason [for crossing the border] is not revealed due to security considerations connected to saving their lives”.

Yogev calls on the government not to give in to terrorist demands and blackmail in future negotiations surrounding the release of terrorists. He said that today “The State of Israel is in a different place following the Gilad Shalit prison deal and with all the pain regarding the lives of captives, we must not release murderers, which may lead to the additional loss of life. We must remember Baruch Mizrachi, who was murdered by a terrorist released in the Shalit deal and I believe that the heads of the government, the prime minister, defense minister, Mossad director, ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) director and others dealing with captives have considered this possibility when deciding to keep this current case quiet, also to prevent [Hamas demanding] a higher price of blackmail, and also to increase the chances of bringing them back home alive”.

He concluded “Now that the case has gone public, I believe it will be handled differently and we must make the maximum effort against a bitter enemy. All of our hearts are with the families and to my sorrow, the State of Israel has much experience with this and I believe everything possible is being done in this case”.

President Rivlin on Thursday, 22 Tammuz, addresses the publicized story of the captives in Gaza.

He explains he has been in the loop since the beginning of the cases, and adds “There is no doubt that they are in Gaza and have not been taken anywhere outside of Gaza”.

He stresses this is not a case of abduction, but rather a case of people crossing into Gaza on their own and then being held.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)