The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday changed the status of two soldiers killed during the 2014 Gaza conflict, and whose remains were never found, to that of both "missing" and "fallen." Givati Brigade Lt. Hadar Goldin, 23, and Golani Brigade Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, 21, were killed in two separate battles during Operation Protective Edge. Their remains were abducted by Hamas, as the terrorist group hopes to use them as bargaining chips in future prisoner exchange deals. The circumstances of the soldiers' deaths prompted IDF Personnel Directorate head Maj. Gen. Hagai Topolansky to review the status of Goldin and Oron's cases. On Thursday, following a lengthy review, it was decided to declare Goldin a fallen soldier, and Oron a fallen soldier whose place of burial is unknown. According to the Walla news website, the review followed a petition to the Personnel Directorate by the Goldin family, who argued that the previous classification of "killed in action" suggested Israel views their son's case as closed. The family argued that including a classification of "missing in action" will send the message that Israel will spare no effort to ensure the remains of both soldiers are recovered. Although mostly technical, the change will affect how the Eitan Unit, the military's missing persons unit, handles any potential future negotiations for the return of the two's remains. Topolansky informed both families of the military's decision. An IDF Spokesperson's Unit statement said the decision "reflected the military's commitment to ensure the soldiers' remains are returned to Israel."
X
שיתוף כתבה
IDF changes status of 2 soldiers whose bodies were not found
The remains of Lt. Hadar Goldin, 23, and Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, 21, killed in Operation Protective Edge in 2014 are held by Hamas • Soldiers now defined as both "missing" and "fallen" affecting how Israel will act to secure the return of their remains.