Israeli Teenagers Kidnapped; Massive Military Search In Progress [BREAKING]
Three Israeli students have reportedly been kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists. Sadly, it appears that the young men are still missing and there is no actual news of their location or welfare.
The students, two of whom are residents of West Bank and study at Makor Chaim Yeshiva in Kfar Etzion, were reportedly kidnapped at some point Thursday evening. Shortly after the event, the incident was reported to the Judea and Samaria Division war room. It didn’t take long for authorities to respond to the kidnapping.
According to Israel National News, a number of false reports surfaced early this morning. However, IDF official stated that units are still searching for the missing students as of this writing.
It’s believed that one of the Israeli teenagers tried to call the police after the kidnapping took place. Although the call was cut off seconds after it was placed, authorities were reportedly able to track the cell phone signal to the city of Hevron.
According to YNetIDF Spokesman Gen. Moti Almoz stressed that it’s important not to spread any false reports about the kidnapping on social media. He said, “I ask everyone to act responsibly. There is no foundation to the rumors circulating and they do not have any basis. I ask everyone to act responsibly.”
He added, “In the last few hours, we have organized a very large intelligence effort to track down what is happening with these boys since they disappeared.”
Authorities are also reportedly searching for the kidnapped Israeli teenagers in Gush Etzion. Chief of Staff Gen. Benny Gantz said a number of units, including those associated with hostage intervention, are preparing themselves for all scenarios.
An IDF official explained:
“Everything we are doing in these hours, and in the coming hours, is an attempt to go back and retrace what happened there in that area, and understand where they are now and what happened to them.”
Israel remains dedicated to retrieving those who fall into the hands of terrorists. Gilad Shalit, a corporal in the Israeli army, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in 2006. After years in captivity, Prime Minister Netanyahu signed an agreement to release 1,027 Palestinian prisoners over the course of several months in 2011. The arrangement was reportedly made through “German mediators and the Egyptian government.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu said at the time:
“This is a difficult decision to make, but a leadership is examined in moments like these, in its ability to make difficult decisions. I am bringing Gilad Shalit home, to his parents Noam and Aviva, his brother Yoel, his sister Hadas, his grandfather Zvi, and the people of Israel.”
After spending 1,940 days in Hamas captivity, Gilad Shalit returned home to Israel on October 18, 2011. Shalit was later promoted to the rank of sergeant first class.
Military operations are still proceeding in the area. The Inquisitr will update as information becomes available.
