(Illustration) IDF soldiers in Samaria
(Illustration) IDF soldiers in SamariaIsrael news photo: Flash 90

An IDF officer from Central Command told Channel 10 Saturday evening that the IDF had no way of preventing the abduction and murder of Sergeant Tomer Hazan.

"We couldn't have done anything to save his life,” the officer said. “This is a serious incident. The forces took action in time and located the body within a short time.”

"The planning of the murder and the prior acquaintance [between the soldier and his murderer] are what led to the success of this abduction and murder,” the officer added. “IDF soldiers continue to be threatened throughout Israel by abductions, which terrorists consider to be 'high quality' attacks.”

Early this month, Hader Habib, a senior member of the Islamic Jihad in Gaza, called on fellow terrorists to abduct an IDF soldier, in a speech at a protest tent for identification with Palestinian Authority (PA) prisoners that was erected next to the Red Cross Headquarters in Gaza.

Hader called for the abduction of soldiers so that they can be exchanged for PA prisoners.

The IDF has been on a state of permanent high alert of the possibility that soldiers would be abducted, for years. The Shin Bet has repeatedly foiled attempts to abduct soldiers in recent years. 

An IDF soldier, Gilad Schalit, was abducted in 2006 and held for five years in Gaza before being freed. In exchange for his freedom, Israel released 1,027 terrorist prisoners.