From the Liveblog of
Friday, May 9, 2025
IDF chief meets former hostages, emphasizes commitment to returning all those still in captivity
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir met today with former hostages Liri Albag, Romi Gonen, Omer Shem Tov and Sasha Troufanov.
Zamir “expressed his great appreciation for the candid conversation and emphasized the IDF’s commitment to working to return all the hostages,” the military says.
“I wanted to hear from you directly about your feelings during the time when you were held hostage, and IDF troops were operating near you. The experiences you went through were difficult and you radiate strength and resilience that are worthy of appreciation,” Zamir is quoted as saying in the statement.
“The return of the hostages and their protection are before our eyes all the time, we will continue to act in every possible way to meet the goals of the war, to return all the hostages to us and to defeat the Hamas terror organization,” he adds.
Zamir has been meeting weekly with families of hostages and former hostages.
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