Statement by Izraeli PM Netanyahu During a Security Consultation at IDF Central Command

Statement by Izraeli PM Netanyahu During a Security Consultation at IDF Central Command

Statement by PM Netanyahu During a Security Consultation at IDF Central Command
(Communicated by the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 16 June 2014), held a security consultation at IDF Central Command HQ in Jerusalem and issued the following statement:

„Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz and GOC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Nitzan Alon,

We are here in the midst of a complex operation (). We need to be prepared for the possibility that it may take time. This is a serious event and there will be serious consequences. We are working together in a considered, responsible and very determined manner.

We are currently focused on one mission – bringing the boys, our boys who were abducted, home. We are also operating against Hamas. We have arrested over 100 Hamas activists (). We are also carrying out additional actions but I will not say any more.

In recent days we have also seen an attempt to open an additional front in the Gaza Strip (). We have taken strong action in response to this firing. If need be, we will take even stronger action. I promise that those who try to attack Israeli citizens will be hit.

The IDF, ISA personnel and the police are doing very good work in the field and for this they have my gratitude and that of all Israelis. I would like to speak to the dear and splendid families of Gilad, Naftali and Eyal. I have spoken with people who have visited you and I have also been impressed by my conversations with you, by your strength in this time of trial. I and all Israelis support you at this time. We are making every effort to bring the boys home.

In conclusion, I would like to say something to the international community: I have just spoken with US Secretary of State John Kerry. I told him that I appreciate the important and cogent thing he said, both in condemnation of this reprehensible act () and regarding Israel’s right to defend itself. I have also heard from other elements who spoke out yesterday and this is important. But I expect all responsible elements in the international community – some of whom rush to condemn us for any construction in this place or for enclosing a balcony in Gilo – to strongly condemn this reprehensible and deplorable act of abducting three youths. Whoever opposes terrorism needs to condemn terrorism wherever it is perpetrated. I expect other countries to join in these condemnations and to support the State of Israel’s legitimate and necessary acts of self-defense.”

President Peres presented awards to outstanding reserve units along with Defense Minister Yaalon and IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Gantz

President Shimon Peres, this afternoon (Monday, 16 June 2014), delivered remarks at a ceremony to commend outstanding military reserve units, along with Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz. President Peres began by addressing the kidnapping of Naftali Frankel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach and said, „Our soldiers are operating without respite in Hebron and in the villages to find the three boys. The terrorists will be brought to justice. They are the envoys of death and destruction, they offer no hope. The kidnapping of the three boys shows once again the daily threats Israel faces but the strength of our society will overcome the terrorists. Today the whole nation is united. The families are a symbol of the strength of the Israeli spirit, they are a source of inspiration – we will pray with them for the safe return of their sons, our boys. The fight against terror is a global one, it is the fight of all those who love life and wish to be free.”

For additional information:

Ayelet Frish – Spokesperson and Media Adviser to the President of Israel, 050-6205111
Yair Zivan – International Media Coordinator, Office of the President of Israel, 052-3450061

Natan and Avital Sharansky Visit Families of Kidnapped Teens, Convey Solidarity and Prayers of World Jewry

Chairman Sharansky: „When I was in prison, in full isolation, I felt strong because I knew that world Jewry was standing strong with me. I am certain that Eyal, Gil-Ad, and Naftali are feeling the same powerful support of world Jewry today.”

JERUSALEM – Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky and Avital Sharansky today (Monday, June 16) visited the families of 19-year-old Eyal Yifrah and 16-year-old Gil-Ad Shaer, two of the three Israeli teens kidnapped by terrorists on Thursday evening and currently held.

Meeting with Iris and Uri Yifrah and Bat-Galim and Ofir Shaer at their homes, Natan and Avital shared their experiences from Natan’s nine years in Soviet captivity and told the parents about the countless expressions of love and solidarity conveyed by Jewish Agency representatives on behalf of Jews around the world.

Natan Sharansky said: „When I was in prison, in full isolation, I felt strong because I knew that world Jewry was standing strong with me. I am certain that Eyal, Gil-Ad, and Naftali are feeling the same powerful support of world Jewry today. In recent days, I have heard from our shlichim (Jewish Agency representatives) about the solidarity rallies, prayer sessions, study evenings, and online campaigns taking place in Jewish communities around the world. World Jewry is coming together to support you and your sons at this difficult time.”

Both Iris and Uri Yifrah and Bat-Galim and Ofir Shaer told Natan and Avital Sharansky that they feel the support and solidarity of the Jewish people very strongly and that it is a privilege to see that the families and their terrible predicament have served as a rallying point around which the Jewish people has come together.

בלי אות חיים, בלי קבלת אחריות: 100 שעות
מבצעי המעצרים הליליים והסריקות בית אחר בית בחברון עדיין לא הביאו לפריצת דרך בדרך לחוטפי הנערים. מהמחדל המשטרתי, דרך החיפושים הקדחתניים ועד הצהרות הבכירים: „זה ייקח זמן, התאזרו בסבלנות” – מבצע „שובו אחים”, יומן אירועים
ירון דרוקמןפורסם: 16.06.14 , 23:25

אחרי 100 שעות עדיין אין סימן חיים מהחטופים ונטילת אחריות של החוטפים, ולא נראה שכוחות הביטחון קרובים לגלות היכן מוחזקים שלושת הנערים שנחטפו ביום חמישי בערב – נפתלי פרנקל (16), גיל-עד שער (16) ואייל יפרח (19). יותר מ-100 פלסטינים, בהם בכירי חמאס בגדה, נעצרו באותן 100 שעות, אבל ביממה האחרונה הבהירו ראש הממשלה, שר הביטחון והרמטכ”ל כי מבצע „שובו אחים” עשוי להימשך עוד זמן רב