by Jerusalem Post Staff
He also said that Israel's recent military success opened up broader regional opportunities, stressing the importance of Shin Bet’s role in these efforts.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that rescuing the hostages is the primary goal of the war over defeating Hamas, during a visit to a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) facility in southern Israel on Sunday.
“We removed an immediate threat to our existence, two lethal threats to our existence," Netanyahu said, referring to both the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile threats.
"I want to inform you that, as you surely know, many opportunities have now opened up following this victory. First and foremost, to rescue the hostages."
"Of course, we will also need to solve the Gaza issue and defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both of these missions. Beyond that, broad regional opportunities are opening up, in many of which, in fact, almost all of them, you will take part in," he told Shin Bet members.
"I want to thank you on behalf of the people of Israel for your part in ensuring the eternal existence of Israel," he concluded.
Hostage Families Forum reacts to Netanyahu's statement
The Hostage Families Forum released a statement later on Sunday reacting to Netanyahu's statement.We welcome the fact that after 20 months, the return of the abductees has been set as a priority by Netanyahu, the organization said.
"This is a very important statement that should lead to a one-time deal to return all 50 abductees and end the fighting in Gaza," the forum continued.
"It is important to emphasize that what is needed is release, not rescue" of the hostages, the statement continued. "A difference that may mean the difference between rescue and loss," they added.
"An absolute majority of the public understands that the only way to release everyone is through a comprehensive agreement and an end to the fighting, without rescue operations that endanger both the abductees and IDF soldiers," the forum added.
"So far, Netanyahu has chosen not to make the necessary decision despite the will of the people; a decision that prioritizes ethical, state, and operational considerations over any personal or political considerations," the forum argued.
"Only the removal of this obstacle will lead to a comprehensive agreement that has been waiting for the prime minister for months. This is the only thing separating Israel from a comprehensive victory and the beginning of national reconstruction," the forum continued.
"Return the kidnapped; stop the fighting," the forum concluded.
Acting Shin Bet head commends agents for success against Iran
The Shin Bet's acting chief "S" said, “The Iranian effort met the Shin Bet iron wall that left the Iranians with zero successes in realizing their intentions.”“The covert campaign led by Shin Bet has resulted in numbers: Every day during the campaign, Shin Bet thwarted, on average, two significant attacks. This figure adds to about 770 thwarted significant attacks since the beginning of the year."
"This is a good opportunity to praise our colleagues in the IDF and the Mossad for their exceptional offensive activity that has led to unprecedented achievements. At the same time, I would like to praise and thank the thousands of Shin Bet employees who worked tirelessly to deny our enemies any success within the country," he concluded.
Jerusalem Post Staff
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-859407
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