The IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis, referred to the incident in the Gaza Strip.
"Lieutenant Colonel M. was a real hero. This operation was all courage and heroism. The operation was of the very high security importance. The citizens of Israel all owe him. "
In an interview with Army Radio, Manelis added, "We carried out one of the most complex aerial rescue operations that Israel has ever had. The success with which we brought everyone back was an event full of heroism. The activity was planned to the smallest detail and all members of the general staff knew about it. Most of these operations remain under the media radar."
Manelis attacked the violators of the censorship laws and said that "anyone who gives details beyond Lt. Col. M. violates state security."