The IDF's defense

The Missing in Action Accounting Unit is responsible for updating the families in the case of any development and/or progress in the investigation.

By ERICA CHERNOFSKY
idf press con 88 298 (photo credit: AP)
idf press con 88 298
(photo credit: AP)
In response to numerous queries about its role in the return of the missing and captured soldiers, the IDF Spokesman's Office responded that "out of an ideological and moral obligation to its soldiers and their families, the IDF works to locate missing soldiers and fallen soldiers' unknown burial sites using every available capability and technology. This work is done by the best investigators within and outside the IDF. All leads and options are completely checked." In addition, it noted that the IDF regards all missing soldiers as alive unless proven otherwise by facts or by investigation. On this basis, it said, those responsible continue to work to locate the IDF's missing soldiers. "The IDF's most senior command deals with this matter thoroughly and rigorously, and maintains its connection with the missing soldiers' families with the same sense of obligation and responsibility. The Missing in Action Accounting Unit is responsible for updating the families in the case of any development and/or progress in the investigation. The unit also assists and accompanies the families in their efforts to advance their sons' return home. In an effort to provide relief for the families in this difficult time, the unit works closely with the Defense Ministry to provide private and personal responses to the families, according to their needs." While the families of Guy Hever, missing for 10 years, and Yehuda Katz, missing for 24 years, claim the government has given up on their cases and only concentrates on the current abductees, Prime Minister's Office spokeswoman Miri Eisin said the State of Israel sees the return of all the MIAs and the kidnapped as the top priority. "There is no question that everybody works and thinks about it day in and day out," she said. "We understand the pain of the families and strengthen their hands and state clearly that we are doing everything in our capability to bring them home."