Soldiers: Don't free hundreds of prisoners for us

In letter to army chief, dozens of reserve troops say they prefer captivity to release of terrorists.

reserve soldiers 224.88 (photo credit: )
reserve soldiers 224.88
(photo credit: )
Dozens of soldiers and officers from a reserve IDF infantry brigade have written a letter to the chief of the general staff, asking that he prevent Israel from freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for their release in the event that they are captured by the enemy, Channel 2 reported Tuesday. "We are willing to sit in the enemy's prison as long as it takes," wrote the soldiers of the brigade, which is considered to be one of the army's finest, and would be one of the first to enter the Gaza Strip if the government decides on a large-scale military operation there. The soldiers intend to send the letter to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Gabi Ashkenazi when such a decision is made. In it, they also request that no negotiations be held over bodies or body parts.