Kidnapped Israeli teenagers: 80 arrests – search continues
The IDF has made more than 80 arrests in the hunt for three teenagers kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists.
from Henry Benjamin, Tel Aviv
IDF and Israeli security forces are conducting a widespread search for three Israeli teenagers kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists. Forces recently arrested 80 Palestinian suspects in connection with the operation.
Palestinian terrorists kidnapped three Israeli teenagers late Thursday night in the Judea and Samaria region. IDF and Israeli security forces have been conducting a widespread operation for more than two days in an effort to find the Israelis and capture their kidnappers.
The three teenagers – Eyal Yifrah, 19, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Naftali Frenkel, 16 – were last seen on Thursday night near Gush Etzion before being kidnapped by the Palestinian terrorists.
Following the abduction, IDF and Israeli security forces in Judea and Samaria began a search to find the kidnappers. Late Saturday night, security forces in Hebron arrested 80 Palestinian suspects in connection with the operation.
Israeli troops search in Hebron
In Melbourne the Zionist Federation of Australia issued the following statement:
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) strongly condemns the kidnapping of three Israeli youths as they were making their way home on Thursday evening. The three missing students are Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frankel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu made an official statement on Saturday evening where he confirmed that the kidnapping was definitely carried out by Palestinians terrorists, and that the IDF was working around the clock to locate them.
“With the ink barely dry on the Palestinian Unity Agreement, we demand that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas puts everything into assisting the Israelis in locating the boys”, ZFA President Dr Danny Lamm said. “Unfortunately, this scenario has become all too familiar for Israelis, and we pray for their safe return to their families. The Australian Zionist community stands in solidarity with the people of Israel, and in particular the families involved, at this time”.
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) and B’nai B’rith Australia-New Zealand (BBANZ) have condemned the abduction of three Israeli youths by Palestinian terrorists.
Chairman of the ADC, Dr Dvir Abramovich and President of BBANZ Morris Tobias issued the following statement
“This latest despicable outrage is a reminder that there are still Palestinian groups who will not give up on resorting to violence and terror, including the kidnapping of Israelis. We call on those responsible for this reprehensible act to immediately release the three teenagers so they are safely reunited with their families. At this time it is imperative that all of Israel’s friends, in particular the Australian government, urge President Abbas and the new Palestinian Authority to collaborate fully with the Israeli government and use all of their efforts to secure the unconditional release of the hostages. We express our strong solidarity with the State of Israel as it conducts operations to find the kidnapped young men and send our heartfelt prayers, thoughts and best wishes to the families.”
For those that would like to recite tehillim for the boys, especially Chapter 121, the names to recite are:
Eyal ben Iris Teshurah
Gilad Michael ben Bat Galim
Yaakov Naftali ben Rachel Devorah
This is deeply shocking. Davening that the boys shall be found safe and well and that the IDF, Shin Bet and ha Mossad shall do what needs to be done. This is every family’s worst nightmare; let us pray so hard for these afflicted families.