Defense Minister Israel Katz welcomed the return of the abducted soldier Hadar Goldin. “After more than a decade of anticipation and waiting, Hadar has returned to eternal rest in an Israeli grave,” he stated. “Hadar fell during Operation Protective Edge while leading his soldiers from the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion in battle against Hamas murderers in Rafah. Over the years, Hadar, alongside Oron Shaul, became a symbol of dedication and determined struggle to bring our fallen soldiers home – largely thanks to his dear parents, Simcha and Leah. This is a moment of deep pain but also of great comfort and closure. I strengthen the IDF and Shin Bet who worked tirelessly to return Hadar and our other captives, and I embrace the Goldin family during this difficult time.”
