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Yoel Bin-Nun

An Urgent Appeal

As the Government of Israel prepares to release hundreds of murderers (to save our kidnapped brethren), it is imperative that at the very least, a clear and public warning mark these released enemies: Anyone who resumes any form of activity against Israel will be eliminated the moment our forces identify them!

The State of Israel cannot afford to wait again until these individuals harm Israeli citizens—adults, women, children, or our young soldiers. Whoever resumes actions against Israel must be neutralized immediately. No ceasefire agreement will prevent these eliminations.

It appears that the heart-wrenching and contentious debate over the rescue of our kidnapped brothers and sisters—fulfilling the mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim (redeeming captives)—even at the cost of others who might be murdered or kidnapped in the future, is nearing its conclusion. Those supporting this last-minute rescue likely believe that while the future is uncertain, the immediate danger to the lives of the captives is certain, and certain dangers override potential future risks. This reasoning aligns with the halakhic ruling of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory, which Shas and United Torah Judaism representatives rely upon in the Knesset and government.

However, the horrific massacre on Shabbat Shemini Atzeret, orchestrated by Hamas under the leadership of a previous releasee, has altered the broader picture. The future victims and abductees are no longer hypothetical—they are a certainty. In my opinion, were he asked today, even Rabbi Ovadia Yosef would not repeat his earlier ruling, which permitted the release of Yahya Sinwar.

Yet, if the Government of Israel prioritizes the rescue of our kidnapped brethren despite the heavy and terrifying price, it must at least mitigate the certain risk to future lives. This can be achieved by clearly marking the released terrorists so that our forces can eliminate them the moment they resume any activity against Israel’s citizens or soldiers.

Such a threat will not erase the certain future risk, but it may reduce it to some extent. This must be a clear condition for those in the government and Knesset who support the current rescue efforts.

May we soon witness the safe return of our captives and the strengthening of Israel’s security.

About the Author
Dr. Rabbi Yoel bin Nun is one of the founders of Yeshivat Har Etzion. He received his rabbinic training at Yeshiva Merkaz HaRav and his Ph.D. from Hebrew University. In 1986, he established Michlelet Yaakov Herzog for training Jewish Studies teachers, especially in Bible instruction. Between 2000-2006 he served as the Rosh Ha-Yeshiva of Yeshivat HaKibbutz HaDati in Ein Tzurim.
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