Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon praised the bereaved families of kidnapped and murdered teens Naftali Frenkel (16), Gilad Sha'ar (16), and Eyal Yifrah (19) Tuesday morning, in an expression of mourning and solidarity.
"This is a painful time for the Frenkel, Sha'ar, and Yifrah families," Ya'alon began. "The grief that envelops them, envelops the entire nation. Grief envelops the parents, who coped admirably and showed steadfastness in light of the absence of their sons, and gave the IDF, Shin Bet and Israel Police the power to continue the search until the bitter end."
"I had the privilege to meet them twice," he continued. "The parents embody all that is good and noble in humanity. With a heavy heart, I participate in the mourning of the parents and bereaved family members and I wish to strengthen them during this difficult time."
Ya'alon also thanked the IDF, the Israel Security Agency (ISA or Shin Bet), and Israel Police for their work.
"Ground forces, combat units, and support brigades acted with an impressive display of combined arms and a sense of mission," he reflected. "I want to thank the armed forces, the ISA, and the Police for their tremendous effort, as well as the many volunteers who gave their abilities and energy for the search."
"We see Hamas as responsible for the kidnapping and murder of the boys, and they will pay," Ya'alon added. "We will continue to pursue the boys' murderers, and not be silent, and not rest, until we find them."