Abigail Idan, just three years old, has been held captive by Hamas in Gaza for over two weeks. Her parents, Roy and Samdar, were killed during a horrifying massacre. It's heart-wrenching to fathom that an innocent 3-year-old girl has been in the hands of Hamas for over two weeks.
During these two weeks, Israel has not taken the necessary steps to secure her release. Yes, there have been airstrikes, one after another, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a ground operation. It's a painful truth: Israel hasn't taken effective action to free Abigail. It needs to be said plainly.
While Netanyahu permits trucks carrying fuel, even though it was promised that fuel wouldn't enter Gaza, as well as food and medicine for the benefit of Gaza's citizens, nothing has been done to rescue Abigail. She remains captive there, alongside Hamas militants, far from her home, without her parents (whom she will never see again), and her siblings. She's alone without any familiar faces, without her beloved doll, without her cherished toys.
There is no country in the world that would tolerate such brutal acts. At the moment, Israel's response appears inadequate. It's a harsh reality that must be acknowledged.
The airstrikes by the Air Force may be suitable for a conventional round of conflict with Gaza, but not for the current situation.
Contrary to many others, I did not think that Netanyahu's involvement was hindered due to his responsibility for the tragic events two weeks ago. However, I'm beginning to fear that Netanyahu lacks the ability, courage, and strength required to lead Israel in the most significant war in its history.
"He is hesitant and this hinders any offensive move," a cabinet minister told us today.
The minister is correct: while Abigail, along with more than 200 other Israelis, remains captive under Hamas, Israel's response appears to be ordinary, routine, and proportionate. Where is the long-awaited ground operation? Why hasn't Israel undertaken an operation to rescue Abigail in these two weeks? Why did we establish a nation and an army?
The involvement of Hezbollah
In the north, Israel is once again growing accustomed to Nasrallah's constant provocations. He fires, and we respond. The same flawed approach employed against Hamas is repeating itself in the north. Today, Netanyahu stated that if Hezbollah entered the war, it would be his gravest mistake. Netanyahu may not fully comprehend it, but Hezbollah is already in the conflict.
This is an impassioned plea to Netanyahu: bring Abigail home and eradicate both Hamas and Hezbollah. If this task proves too daunting, give up your position immediately.
The writer is an Israeli journalist and the Editor-In-Chief of Walla!.