IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz on Tuesday sent a letter to soldiers and commanders concerning the release of Gilad Shalit, saying his return indicated the IDF had "completed the mission."
Recounting the day Shalit was kidnapped, Gantz wrote, "On June 24th, 2006, Team 2, from the 188th armored brigade in the "Barak" division of the Infantry Corps left for operational activity along the Gaza border, near Kerem Shalom. During the course of their mission, on the morning of June 25th, the tank's crew came under attack by terrorists.
“During this attack the tank's commander, Lieutenant Hanan Barak and Staff Sergeant Pabel Slozker, may they rest in peace, were killed. Staff sergeant Roei Amitai was injured and Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit was abducted. Today, upon the return of Gilad Shalit to his country, his nation and his family, their mission is completed.”
Ganz also noted, "Hand in hand with the other security forces, we did everything possible on all levels... intelligence, operational, and political. During these years, we gazed into the hurt eyes of the Shalit family, and committed ourselves that we would not – and did not – rest until we restored (Gilad to) their home. "
"The sum total of this agreement and the skill of the negotiating team in particular, reflect the commitment of the State of Israel, the IDF, and its soldiers, to do everything possible to return every soldier home from their mission. This commitment derives its power from the value of brotherhood, which was, is, and will remain the foundational principle of the moral code and operations of the IDF.
“This commitment reflects the values of responsibility, mission, and perseverance... the values of our people, second to none in all armies in the world, and perhaps most importantly, the sanctity of human life guides us constantly,” Gantz added.
"The decision was made to trade for Gilad by the Israeli government," Gantz wrote solemnly. “And that we did with respect and recognition of our highest duty, and with a grave and deep understanding of the heavy price being paid. Our hearts are with the Victims of Terror and their families, and we vow to continue to be stubborn and strong in our vigilance to ensure that Israel's security will be maintained in any place and at any time .”
"The IDF will also continue to do everything we can to restore our country all the other brothers POWs and MIAs," Gantz continued. "We are committed to the families of missing soldiers, and all the families of Israel's fallen soldiers whose burial place is unknown. We leave no stone unturned, and examine every piece of information – to carry out this duty to our brothers in arms, and to restore them to Israel's borders, their home ".
Addressing Shalit directly in the letter, Gantz wrote, "The IDF, its commanders and soldiers, respect you and are proud of your determination and resilience over the years. We will continue to support you and strengthen you, as required... on behalf of the entire IDF, I congratulate you and your family upon your return to us."