Overnight (between Saturday and Sunday), in a coordinated special operation by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the IDF, the body of Golani Brigade soldier Oron Shaul, z”l, was returned to Israel. The operation occurred shortly before a scheduled ceasefire.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Statement
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences and gratitude, saying: “I embrace the Shaul family, my dear ones, and commend the ingenuity and courage of the Shin Bet and IDF forces. The images of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, of blessed memory, who fell during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, have stood before me in my office for years, serving as a daily reminder of my commitment to bringing them home. Tonight, we fulfilled the mission to return Oron, and we will not rest until we complete the task of bringing Hadar Goldin back as well.”
Defense Minister Katz’s Statement
Defense Minister Israel Katz added: “This is a painful moment, but also one of closure for the Shaul family, who never stopped working to bring their son home. I embrace the Shaul family during this difficult time and salute the soldiers and commanders of our security forces who worked tirelessly over the years to ensure Oron’s return to his eternal rest in Israel.”*
Intelligence and Operational Efforts
The efforts to locate and retrieve Oron’s body involved a decade-long intelligence operation conducted by the Prisoners and Missing Persons Directorate and the Special Operations Division of Military Intelligence. These efforts intensified during the recent conflict.
The rescue was carried out by several elite units of the IDF and Shin Bet, including Military Intelligence, Shayetet 13 (Naval Commandos), Division 162, and Armored Brigade 188. The operation, which took place in recent days, was based on intelligence collected over the last decade since Operation Protective Edge. Specific details about the operation’s location have not been disclosed, per Army Radio.
It is important to note that Sgt. Oron Shaul, of blessed memory, fell in battle in Shejaiya, northern Gaza, in 2014. His body was held by Hamas for over a decade.
Identification and Notification
Following an identification process conducted by the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Military Rabbinate, representatives from the IDF and Shin Bet informed the Shaul family this morning. s
