The IDF successfully located and retrieved the body of fallen soldier Oron Shaul, bringing him back to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday morning.
Shaul's retrieval was part of a targeted operation under the command of the 162nd Division, according to Channel 14's military correspondent Hillel Biton Rosen. IDF representatives sent a message to the family.
The forces of Shayetet 13, the Shin Bet and the 188th Brigade, under the command of Brig. Gen. Itzik Cohen, made history, and after several days of identification and verification that it was indeed Oron's body, the official confirmation arrived and was allowed to be published today (Sunday).
"In a special operation by the ISA (Shin Bet) and IDF conducted before the ceasefire takes effect, we have returned the body of Golani soldier Oron Shaul, of blessed memory, to Israel," Netanyahu stated.
He added, "I embrace the Shaul family, who are very dear to me, and commend the bravery and resourcefulness of the ISA and IDF forces involved in this mission."
Netanyahu also reflected on his long-standing commitment: "The photos of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, of blessed memory, who fell during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, have been in my office for many years. They serve as a constant reminder of my duty to bring them home."
"Last night, we fulfilled the mission of bringing Oron back to Israel," announced Israeli officials, "and we will not rest until we also bring Hadar Goldin home. Our commitment remains steadfast: we will continue working tirelessly to return all hostages—living and deceased."
The IDF confirmed the details of the operation: "It has been cleared for publication that in a covert and highly specialized operation conducted by IDF and ISA special forces within the Gaza Strip, the body of fallen soldier Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul was recovered. Oron Shaul fell in combat in Shejaiya on July 20, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, and his body was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization."
The statement highlighted the decade-long efforts to bring Oron home: "This mission involved intelligence collection by the Hostages and Missing Persons Unit and the Special Operations Unit in the Intelligence Directorate, spanning many years and continuing throughout the current conflict."
Following the operation, the identification of Oron’s remains was conducted by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Military Rabbinate. Early Sunday morning, IDF and ISA representatives informed the Shaul family of the successful recovery.
"The IDF and ISA extend their deepest condolences to the Shaul family," the statement added. "We remain committed to bringing all hostages back home as quickly as possible."
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