Defense and Security
The Texas senator received the drawings when he met with members of an Israeli family who had been released from Gaza.
“This is closure for the family ... it’s hard to express in words what I’m feeling,” said Shaul’s brother, Aviram.
Brother of slain hostage Omer Neutra tells JNS, “He’s a hero, and he deserves to be buried in the Land of Israel.”
The troops were reportedly traveling in a vehicle that hit an explosive device.
“Thanks be to God. Thanks to my family, to Oreli, to the best friends I have in this world,” wrote the former captive.
“The wholesale release of terrorists into Judea and Samaria is a clear danger to the country,” said Samaria Regional Council’s head Yossi Dagan.
The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners to Judea and Samaria means that “regular deployment is insufficient,” said Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Heritage Meir Porush.
“Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home,” said Mandy Damari, whose daughter Emily was one of the three freed hostages.
The Israeli national security minister welcomed the return to Israel of Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari after 471 days in Hamas captivity.
The very thought of negotiating with terrorists represents a strategic disaster. Yet Israel’s willingness to trade hundreds of hardened criminals to get back a handful of hostages is a powerful message of light triumphing over darkness.
“Our mission is far from over,” stated Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). “We will not rest until every hostage is safely home and every perpetrator of terror faces the full weight of justice.”
The president thanked his team and especially envoy Brett McGurk, the lead U.S. negotiator on the Israel-Hamas deal.
