Comments on: Leave No Man Behind?

By: Here in HP, a Highland Park, New Jersey blog » Weekly Review with Snapdragon

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:13:12 +0000

[...] Israeli: Leave No Man Behind? On other Israeli soldiers left [...]

By: Nobody

Nobody — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:03:33 +0000

There’s also a rumor that soldiers have had these orders for some time already. I also heard that they were in effect at the time of Shalit’s kidnapping, and that when he was led away on his own two feet by Hamas, other IDF soldiers had him in their sights but hesitated at the last moment instead of shooting him.

By: LB

LB — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:11:32 +0000

Garnel – I agree. Seems to have worked for the U.S. in Iraq.

Jack – I think people realize they are giving, and sacrificing (potentially their lives) for something they believe in. Of course, there is the relationship between comradery and troop motivation, as well. The people have the soldiers’ backs – yes, but people are pretty cynical about the government, they know the odds of getting out alive are not high. With regards to negotiations, there is a petition many soldiers (reservists?) have signed calling not to release terrorists for their release if they are ever captured.

Nobody – precisely. That culture is too pervasive, it is a serious problem and I’m planning on writing about it soon. Regarding shooting fellow soldiers in such an event – there was a rumor during Cast Lead that such a directive was, in fact, issued.

M – it should, but it doesn’t seem to have done much in the way of releasing anyone.

By: M

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:57:19 +0000

It is clear from the last 15+ years that Israel’s soldiers will not be rescued if they are captured. There will be a public debate and outcry and a political push, however, Israel will do nothing. The political figures have not done nearly enough for Shalit. What are they afraid of other than their reputations? Have the enemy’s methods become more sophisticated? Perhaps. But this should just push Israel to figure out new ways to help itself and its soldiers.

By: Nobody

Nobody — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:39:31 +0000

That’s what people believe already, and they’ve believed it for a long time.

I would say to any of my friends entering the army now that I’d prefer they die than be captured, and that if I were in the army, I would personally shoot my own fellow soldiers rather than allow them to be captured by the enemy.

By: Jack

Jack — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:17:22 +0000

Nobody,

G-d forbid people truly believe that. The day that the army stops believing that the gov’t and country have their back is the day it all falls apart.

By: Nobody

Nobody — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:08:57 +0000

Rescue missions are for frayers!

By: Garnel Ironheart

Garnel Ironheart — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:36:03 +0000

If Israel were to have the exactly opposite policy, then it would be better protecting its soldiers.
The Arabs know they can grab a guy, kill him secretly and then drag out “negotiations” for years in order to get 100’s of theirs released in return for the body.
If the Israeli government were to turn around and say “No negotiations, no deals” they would have no benefit from the kidnappings.