Colonel Moshe Betzer (res.) argues that the kidnapping and captivity of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit deters potential new recruits. “More and more young people I meet... mention Gilad Shalit when explaining why they refuse to enlist,” he told participants in honor of former IDF Chief of Staff Refael Eitan.
Young people are afraid that if kidnapped, they would be left in captivity for years as Shalit has been, Betzer said. Shalit was kidnapped in June of 2006. His captors are demanding the release of 1,500 terrorists.