According to an early morning Galei Tzahal (Army) Radio report, quoting unnamed “military officials,” the rescue of the soldier who is entering his eighth day in captivity, may take a “number of weeks, months, or even years,” with some already indicating he may become another Ron Arad, the air force navigator who fell into captivity in October 1986.
While a major IDF incursion into Gaza was expected before the weekend, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz did not permit the move, wishing to permit Egyptian diplomatic efforts to play out. Egypt’s intelligence chief, General Omar Suleiman arrived in Gaza on Saturday, but by Sunday it was apparent to all that those efforts would not bear fruit. The government decision resulted in much criticism, as IDF troops and armored vehicles remain at bay outside Gaza, and the nation continues to pray for the well-being of the soldier.
Shalit was taken hostage on Sunday (25 June) during a multi-pronged terror attack against a military position in Kerem Shalom. An officer and a soldier were killed, and a number of other soldiers were injured in the attack, including Shalit, who was pulled from his burning tank, taken prisoner and whisked off into Palestinian Authority (PA) controlled Gaza.
Unofficial reports indicate that Shalit sustained both abdominal and shoulder injuries as a result of the anti-tank rocket that pierced his Merkavah III tank, with IDF officials confirming reports that his field jacket left behind was indeed stained with his blood. It is being reported that Shalit did indeed receive medical care, and on Sunday, he was reported in good condition.
While officials hinted that the soldier was being held in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, it now appears that intelligence community efforts to locate the soldier have not panned out and his location remains a mystery. The army is maintaining a prominent presence along border crossing points in the hope of preventing terrorists from smuggling the soldier across the border to Egypt, a reality that would significantly complicate efforts towards his release.
Terrorists are releasing messages that a significant number of prisoners would have to be released by Israel to obtain Shalit’s release, but Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has signaled repeatedly that Jerusalem will not enter into negotiations with terrorists, demanding Shalit be immediately and unconditionally released. Olmert and Defense Minister Peretz have added the release of the soldier would result in the immediate halt of the ongoing IDF offensive in Gaza, Operation Summer Rains. Artillery forces continue to pound open fields in northern Gaza, areas used to launch Kassam rockets into southern Green Line Israel, but the large incursion expected last week never materialized, and statements leaked to the media are now signaling the release of the soldier may not be achieved in the immediate future. In addition, the air force continues to carry out daily aerial assaults, pounding terrorist targets throughout Gaza, including the office of PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah. On Sunday night, a building used by Fatah al-Aqsa terrorists located in Gaza City was targeted with air-to-surface missiles.
Israel last week arrested over 60 officials affiliated with the Hamas-led PA administration, including ministers and Palestine Legislative Council members, but this too has not prompted terrorists to release the captive soldier. On Sunday, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz stated the suspects in custody would be placed on trial in military courts for their suspected criminal activities, but they would not be used as bargaining chips towards obtaining the release of the soldier.
Earlier today, Monday, an armored IDF force entered northern Gaza, apparently concentrating on efforts towards halting Kassam rocket attacks, which continue despite the IDF firing over 1,000 artillery shells into northern Gaza since the weekend.
While a major IDF incursion into Gaza was expected before the weekend, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz did not permit the move, wishing to permit Egyptian diplomatic efforts to play out. Egypt’s intelligence chief, General Omar Suleiman arrived in Gaza on Saturday, but by Sunday it was apparent to all that those efforts would not bear fruit. The government decision resulted in much criticism, as IDF troops and armored vehicles remain at bay outside Gaza, and the nation continues to pray for the well-being of the soldier.
Shalit was taken hostage on Sunday (25 June) during a multi-pronged terror attack against a military position in Kerem Shalom. An officer and a soldier were killed, and a number of other soldiers were injured in the attack, including Shalit, who was pulled from his burning tank, taken prisoner and whisked off into Palestinian Authority (PA) controlled Gaza.
Unofficial reports indicate that Shalit sustained both abdominal and shoulder injuries as a result of the anti-tank rocket that pierced his Merkavah III tank, with IDF officials confirming reports that his field jacket left behind was indeed stained with his blood. It is being reported that Shalit did indeed receive medical care, and on Sunday, he was reported in good condition.
While officials hinted that the soldier was being held in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, it now appears that intelligence community efforts to locate the soldier have not panned out and his location remains a mystery. The army is maintaining a prominent presence along border crossing points in the hope of preventing terrorists from smuggling the soldier across the border to Egypt, a reality that would significantly complicate efforts towards his release.
Terrorists are releasing messages that a significant number of prisoners would have to be released by Israel to obtain Shalit’s release, but Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has signaled repeatedly that Jerusalem will not enter into negotiations with terrorists, demanding Shalit be immediately and unconditionally released. Olmert and Defense Minister Peretz have added the release of the soldier would result in the immediate halt of the ongoing IDF offensive in Gaza, Operation Summer Rains. Artillery forces continue to pound open fields in northern Gaza, areas used to launch Kassam rockets into southern Green Line Israel, but the large incursion expected last week never materialized, and statements leaked to the media are now signaling the release of the soldier may not be achieved in the immediate future. In addition, the air force continues to carry out daily aerial assaults, pounding terrorist targets throughout Gaza, including the office of PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah. On Sunday night, a building used by Fatah al-Aqsa terrorists located in Gaza City was targeted with air-to-surface missiles.
Israel last week arrested over 60 officials affiliated with the Hamas-led PA administration, including ministers and Palestine Legislative Council members, but this too has not prompted terrorists to release the captive soldier. On Sunday, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz stated the suspects in custody would be placed on trial in military courts for their suspected criminal activities, but they would not be used as bargaining chips towards obtaining the release of the soldier.
Earlier today, Monday, an armored IDF force entered northern Gaza, apparently concentrating on efforts towards halting Kassam rocket attacks, which continue despite the IDF firing over 1,000 artillery shells into northern Gaza since the weekend.