Netanyahu: We are Making Progress in the Abductees Deal

Prime Minister Netanyahu met today (Tuesday) with soldiers of Reserve Battalion 8101 - Alexandroni Brigade - and spoke about the rumors about the release of the abductees: "We are making progress. I don't think it's worth saying too much, not even at this moment, but I hope there will be good news soon."

Netanyahu received an overview from the battalion commander Lt. Col. Maayan Feldman on the battalion's activities in the northern sector in recent weeks, and heard from the commanders about their feelings and experiences from being recruited for long-term operational reserve duty. The commanders shared the fighting spirit of the battalion and the desire and commitment of all the service members to continue to act and contribute to the security of the State of Israel and its citizens.

"I am here with Golani fighters and commanders - a mighty spirit," Netanyahu said. "People who are currently fighting in the north train here in Elyakim and go back. Simply the spirit of a winning army. We are currently focusing on a very strong and very proactive defense in the north in order to achieve a crushing victory in the south.

"The first goal, the elimination of Hamas, we will not stop until it is done. Second goal, the return of the abductees - we are making progress. I don't think it's worth saying too much, not even at this moment, but I hope there will be good news soon. The third goal is to ensure that what happened in Gaza does not happen again."

"We want to restore security, we will act and achieve the return of security to both the south and the north. The main instrument we have is the spirit of the people of Israel which is expressed in soldiers, commanders who come from all parts of Israeli society, simply tremendous power. I want to salute you and tell you that we will continue until victory. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, pass it on to your families as well."

The visit was accompanied by the head of the Government Secretariat, Lt. Gen. Tzahi Braverman, and the Military Secretary of the Prime Minister, Brig. Gen. Avi Gil.